Political leaders should 'prepare for reunification' - Adams

Sinn Féin President, Mr Gerry Adams, says he believes there will be a united Ireland and it was of Irish political leaders to…

Sinn Féin President, Mr Gerry Adams, says he believes there will be a united Ireland and it was of Irish political leaders to "prepare for reunification".

Speaking ahead of this week's party conference in Stormont on 'Building for Irish reunification', Mr Adams said: "Engagement in the All Ireland agenda and building on the important progress achieved to date to deliver for all the people of Ireland remains a challenge for all the political leaders on this island."

He said: "The challenge is to develop new strategies and new thinking that can address issues within an All Ireland context such as economic investment and infrastructure particularly but exclusively in border areas and West of the Bann, the future of our farming and fishing communities, a better future for rural Ireland and unleashing the potential of us all working together on this small island

The Sinn Féin leader said: "This is a challenge not just for Sinn Féin and republicans and nationalists but also for the unionist community and leadership of Unionism.

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"We have to show unionists that Sinn Féin - that Irish republicanism - is a fundamental part of their future. That together we can build a future of equals on this island that empowers, protects and enriches everyone," he said

"Sinn Féin's focus has been to see the Good Friday Agreement fully implemented. Our approach is far-sighted and strategic. Our republicanism is about change - fundamental, deep-rooted change. It's about empowering people to make that change," he added.

Sinn Féin TDs, MPs, former MLAs and councillors along with party activists and members from across Ireland will meet to discuss the strategies for developing and consolidating the All Ireland architecture and the momentum for Irish re-unification, the party said in statement today.