Fáilte/Fair Faa/Welcome to the first Shared Ireland Blog.
Shared Ireland are delighted to launch this blog as a continuation of our Podcast series www.sharedireland.com
Moving forward, we will provide for you written opinions from our previous guests, future guests & we strongly encourage you, our valued members to contribute your thoughts and ideas also.
It is our firmly held belief, if we, the citizens of Ireland are to help move and shape our future Shared Ireland, we all must have our say! Our political representatives across the Island can pass legislation, but we the people can help steer the path. If you would like to contribute a written piece, please do not hesitate to contact us. We value opinions from ALL people and from ALL backgrounds. Your blogs can be forwarded to info@sharedireland.com
Shared Ireland are an Irish podcast team.
Our objective is to have an extensive, detailed and comprehensive conversation about our future constitutional arrangements on the island of Ireland. The process of planning, preparing and discussing our future and that of our next generation cannot be left to chance.
This conversation must include all voices, regardless of political opinion or religious beliefs. Until everyone joins this conversation, and we encourage everyone to have their say, then and only then will we be informed of all the issues as we move forward! Pro unity voices and those that advocate remaining within the Union most certainly will not agree on the big fundamental issue. But learning to view life from the others perspective and trying to walk a mile in the others shoes will enable us to have an adult conversation. Learning to disagree respectfully should be the aim.
Shared Ireland would be advocating a YES vote in any future constitutional change on the island of Ireland. However, without a proper detailed plan, and partnership with our Unionist neighbours and friends to prepare and discuss all aspects of our future, nothing of substance can be achieved. We must embrace our differences, find common ground and co-operate on building a better future.
We believe it is incumbent on both the British and Irish governments to lead this conversation – in particular the Irish government, regardless of the makeup of that government! The establishment of a Citizens Assembly cannot be put on the back burner any longer. If we have learnt anything from the Brexit vote in 2016, if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.
Shared Ireland believes there is an onus for civic society to be heard and it is imperative that they are. Political parties understandably can have their own agendas, that at times can be contrary to society’s needs.
Shared Ireland are one year old. To date we have included voices from all across Ireland. Political representatives, civic society, business, academics and others:
DUP – UUP – Fianna Fail – Fine Gale – Sinn Féin – Independent – SDLP – Alliance – Greens – Legacy & Victims – Mental health advocates and others!
On Tuesday the 25th of February 2020, the Shared Ireland team held our first public event in Mid-Ulster at the Greenvale Hotel, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. The theme was “Exploring our past, Shaping our future.” Despite an unseasonable snowstorm and trickling news of an emerging spreading virus, upwards of 200 people gathered to hear our guest speakers: Linda Ervine, Rev. David Latimer, Matt Beaumont (Alliance), Malachy Quinn (SDLP), Prof. Colin Harvey, Danny Morrison, Emma Sheerin (Sinn Féin). The BBC attended and recorded the event for their political programme the View, with Mark Carruthers.
Unfortunately, due to the recent restrictions surrounding COVID19, the Shared Ireland team had to postpone any future planned public events in 2020. However, as soon as it is safe for the citizens of this island to attend, we will be bringing our discussion to a town or village near you. We believe in bringing our events outside the main cities, to everyone.
We really appreciate the support and input from all our members, regardless if they agree or not.
It is by having these uncomfortable conversations, that a greater understanding of each other will emerge and hopefully we can start to foster genuine relationships throughout this island, the place we all call home!
Learning to disagree respectfully should be the aim
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog and remember, we value your input. Send us a direct message on any of our social media platforms – Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or contact us via email at info@sharedireland.com
Go raibh maith agat
Shared Ireland team.
