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Sinn F\u00e9in MEP Lynn Boylan. Photo: Damien Storan\/PA.<\/p>\nThe Government should advance Irish unity as part of its presidency of the Council of the EU, Sinn F\u00e9in has said.<\/p>\n
Sinn F\u00e9in says the Government should \u201cconvene a high-level EU summit to examine preparations for reunification\u201d when it assumes the presidency in July.<\/p>\n
Ireland will hold the EU Council presidency until the end of 2026, and will be responsible for planning and chairing council meetings and negotiations \u2013 as well as representing the council in discussions with the European Parliament and European Commission.<\/p>\n
The Government has said it will have \u201ca central leadership role at the heart of EU decision-making\u201d and is due to set out its policy programme in June.<\/p>\n
Government should use the presidency to begin structured EU-level discussions on the reunification of Ireland<\/p>\n
Kathleen Funchion MEP<\/p>\n
Citing the support of the majority of Northern Ireland voters for remaining in the European Union in the Brexit referendum, Sinn F\u00e9in said withdrawal created a \u201cdemocratic deficit that remains unresolved\u201d.<\/p>\n
It said Ireland should seek clarity at council level \u201con institutional implications of unity\u201d including representation and voting rights, advance observer status in the European Parliament for representatives elected in Northern Ireland, and ensure meaningful participation of the Assembly and Executive in Presidency activities.<\/p>\n
The proposals are put forward in a policy document launched by the party\u2019s MEPs Kathleen Funchion and Lynn Boylan on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Funchion said: \u201cGovernment should use the Presidency to begin structured EU-level discussions on the reunification of Ireland.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis should include preparations for constitutional change, mapping out how a united Ireland would increase Ireland\u2019s role in the EU decision-making process \u2013 and ensuring representation for the North within the EU in the meantime.\u201d<\/p>\n
The party also says the Government should push for structural reforms around affordability in the EU energy market, insist on environmental impact checks for all legislative proposals, and lead efforts to increase overseas development aid.<\/p>\n
Sinn F\u00e9in MEP Lynn Boylan. Photo: Damien Storan\/PA.<\/p>\n
Funchion said: \u201cGovernment must also use this opportunity to protect workers, farmers and communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat means strengthening rights, defending environmental standards and supporting rural livelihoods.<\/p>\n
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