Sinn Féin will hold a Public Meeting in Letterkenny’s Station House Hotel to discuss the fallout of Brexit and its consequences for Ireland and the All-Ireland economy tomorrow (Monday).
The meeting, which will get underway at 7.30pm, will be chaired by Senator Pádraig MacLochlainn and will include speeches from Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson Deputy Pearse Doherty and West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Deputy Pearse Doherty said: “Sinn Féin has organised tonight’s public meeting which is entitled ‘Brexit and the United Ireland Economy’ to provide a forum for people from throughout Donegal to discuss their thoughts and concerns as well as to have their say in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum.
“While the full implications of the Brexit vote last month have yet to be fully realised, the decision will have serious repercussions for the entire island, particularly for people here in the border region where communities and businesses are so deeply intertwined.
“The Brexit result further dislocates the northern and southern economies, which currently have 200,000 jobs depending on the €1.2 billion of trade between them each week, a sizeable portion of which is concentrated right here in Donegal and in counties along the border.
“What is clear is that the majority of citizens in the north voted to remain within the European Union, and there is a democratic imperative that their vote is respected and for their voices to be listened to.
“The Brexit vote has also crucially demonstrated that citizens in the north are able to step beyond the barriers erected by partition as the decision to remain was taken by those from both nationalist and Unionist communities.
“The task for everyone now therefore, must be to agree policies and strategies that can minimise any problems that will arise as a consequence of Brexit and it must also be about using this crisis to create a new and better Ireland, and one which will remain within the EU.
“I fully believe that Irish unity is not only practically viable, it is also economically viable and tonight I hope to hear from as many people as possible about what kind of future they want for our island post-Brexit.
“Tonight’s meeting is open to everybody to come along and attend and I am looking forward to a night of productive conversation and discussion regarding Ireland’s future.”
