We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Post-colonial change and shared island

Summary

Senator Mullen interjected on post-colonialism, and Senator Ó Donnghaile replied by urging a focused debate on the shared island initiative and constitutional change.

Would that be a post-colonial matter as well?

Comment on this

Here is hoping. Members will also have seen the correspondence from the Taoiseach's office marking a year of the shared island initiative. He touched on that in his remarks in the Seanad recently. There is merit in us having a very specific focused discussion about the shared island initiative in its first year and the events it is planned to hold in the coming year as well. The weekend's Red C poll showed that 65% of respondents supported the establishment of a citizens' assembly to look at the need for constitutional change.

All of these realignments are happening here in Ireland, close to home in Scotland and far away in Barbados as well. If there is one lesson for us it is that we prepare, engage, include and talk and that we plan. There is positive merit in doing that. We should play a leading role in doing that and look at best practice around the world.

I think that a discussion around our shared island and, indeed, on the future of our shared island would be very appropriate, timely and worthwhile.

Comment on this