Lurgan People’s Assembly meeting

Upper Bann MLA John O’Dowd said: “Sinn Féin Upper Bann is delighted to host a public meeting by the Commission on the Future of Ireland in the Ashburn Hotel at 7pm on 11 June.

"This will be the thirteenth Peoples’ Assembly. The Commission’s most recent events have included an event held at the Balmoral Agricultural show and a very successful conference of Rights in the new Ireland.

"The debate on Irish Unity is now centre stage. It is a daily topic of conversation for many and the demand for the unity referendum that is part of the Good Friday Agreement is growing.

"The work of the Commission is to encourage people to Have their Say on future constitutional change.

"It is also crucial that those of us who want a united Ireland create the space for those who are opposed to it or who have not made up their minds and who may be persuadable, to become part of the conversation on unity.

"People want to know what the new Ireland will offer them and their families. They want answers and reassurances on priorities such as governmental structures, health service provision, and pensions.

"So, the Lurgan Peoples’ Assembly is part of Sinn Féin’s effort to encourage conversation on these vital issues.”

Sinn Féin believes the new Ireland should be about ambition, sustainable and decent jobs, with fair pay and conditions. It should be a world leader in climate protection, educational opportunity, and citizens’ rights.

These are the discussions we all need to be having, and the Lurgan Peoples Assembly aims to create a forum for such grassroots engagement.

Cllr Catherine Nelson said: “The work of the Commission on the Future of Ireland is an ambitious initiative aimed at making a positive contribution to deepening the conversation on constitutional change and Irish unity.

"We want to encourage popular grass roots participation in the conversation about our shared future. We want everyone to have their say. This includes discussing how we can cherish and protect the British identity and guarantee everybody’s civil and religious liberties, democratic human rights, political rights and entitlements. It must be a new Ireland that leaves no one behind. That means planning for the future.

"Join the conversation on the future shape of the New Ireland. Have Your Say on the 11th June in the Ashburn Hotel.”