Following a meeting yesterday with civic society group Ireland’s Future, Presidential candidate Catherine Connolly TD said that the Government must act without delay on preparing for constitutional change.

Ireland’s Future, which brings together voices from across civic, political, cultural and community life, has been at the forefront of encouraging open, inclusive discussion on Ireland’s constitutional future.

“I was very pleased to meet with Reverend Karen Sethuraman, Stephen McCann and Senator Frances Black of Ireland’s Future yesterday. We had a constructive and positive discussion about the future of our island, and particularly the urgent need for preparation for constitutional change.

“The Joint Oireachtas Committee’s report provides a clear blueprint for a New Ireland - calling for a Green Paper, a dedicated Oireachtas Committee, and structured public dialogue. The government has had this report for over a year and has failed to act. That is deeply irresponsible. The work must begin now.

“I welcome the focus placed on ensuring that women’s voices are central to shaping a new Constitution. Women’s perspectives, as well as those of young people, must be at the heart of building a fairer, more equal Ireland.

“Ireland is changing. In the North, a new generation has emerged since the Good Friday Agreement - vibrant, creative, progressive. They are leaders in the arts, in culture, and in the revival of the Irish language. They want to move beyond division and build a new Ireland. They look to us for leadership, inclusion and action, and we must not let them down.

“The Good Friday Agreement makes clear that the people alone will decide our future. We cannot delay, deny, or obstruct that right. The Irish and British governments should agree a date for a border poll, and begin preparing now to ensure it is inclusive, fair, and respectful of all traditions.

“As President, I would use the moral authority of the office to encourage dialogue, to bring people together, and to ensure that the voices of women, young people, unionists, and all citizens are heard in shaping the New Ireland.

This is not about fear or division. It is about fairness, equality, and opportunity. It is about building a New, United Ireland that belongs to everyone.”

ENDS

Contact: press@connollyforpresident.ie