Click on the arrows to go through the photos by Joe Boland (North West Newspix) Sinn Féin TD Padraig Mac Lochlainn has criticised the Government’s approach to Irish unity - and accused the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, of failing to adequately prepare for a possible referendum on the issue. Deputy Mac Lochlainn told the Drumboe Easter Commemoration in Stranorlar on Easter Sunday that the next decade could be decisive in determining the constitutional future of Ireland. The Buncrana-based representative, who is Sinn Féin’s Chief Whip, told a large gathering that while conversations are already “underway”, it will need “clear political leadership”. “Ireland is changing,” Deputy Mac Lochlainn, who delivered the main oration, said. “The old certainties of partition are gone. The opportunity before us is real. A growing number of people now recognise that the future lies in unity. This is the decade in which the question of Irish unity can be resolved. “The conversation is already underway across society. It is the most important conversation we can have, but conversation must be matched with preparation. “The Irish and British governments cannot be allowed to continue to delay or obstruct. Unity will not happen by accident - it must be won. The time to prepare for referendums - and to win them - is now.” Deputy Mac Lochlainn was critical of the Taoiseach, who he said had the “responsibility” to begin preparing and planning. “Yet his approach has been marked by hesitation, avoidance, and a pathetic failure to lead,” he said. “It is telling that today the biggest barrier to preparing and planning for Irish Unity is the Fianna Fáil-Fine Gael government. “It is not acceptable for the Taoiseach to place obstacles in the way of a unity referendum. This must change. These realities cannot be ignored. The people of Ireland, North and South must have their say.” Mac Lochlainn has been a TD in Donegal since 2020 having had a previous term in the Dail from 2011-2016. Prior to being
Government blocking progress on Irish unity, Mac Lochlainn tells Drumboe commemoration
The Buncrana-based representative, who is Sinn Féin’s Chief Whip, told a large gathering in Stranorlar on Easter Sunday that while conversations are already 'underway', it will need 'clear political leadership'
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