Fine Gael has published ‘A Blueprint for a Unified Island’, outlining proposals for how preparations could be made for the possibility of Irish reunification while stressing that any constitutional change would require democratic consent under the Good Friday Agreement.
The blueprint comes amid a wider debate on Ireland’s constitutional future after Taoiseach Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil, announced a government initiative to examine possible future constitutional arrangements.
Tánaiste and Leader of Fine Gael Simon Harris TD described the blueprint as the beginning of a wider conversation. Drawing on independent research and economic modelling by Professor Stephen Kinsella, the document estimates first-year transition costs could range from around €3.2 billion to €25 billion, depending on the model adopted and factors including pensions, debt and public service arrangements.
Key points:
- Fine Gael proposes a Standing Constitutional Forum, a sovereign wealth fund and a Minister of State for North-South Relations.
- The blueprint places consent, reconciliation and respect for British and Irish identities at the centre of discussions on constitutional change.
- Economic modelling examines different transition designs, highlighting that costs would depend on political and financial decisions.
The blueprint examines potential constitutional arrangements, including unitary and federal approaches, while exploring practical issues such as public services, taxation, pensions, security, governance and protections for different identities and traditions.
Fine Gael argues that detailed preparation should begin before any referendum is considered, with the aim of ensuring future decisions are informed by evidence, public discussion and wider political agreement.
ℹ️ Fine Gael