Adams in border poll appeal to dissidents
Gerry Adams has called on dissident republicans to recognise the potential of border poll, as his party officially launched their campaign for the Irish unity vote on Friday.
The Sinn Féin leader also called on the dissident to “reflect on their position”, and said all republicans must listen to the concerns of unionism
Speaking at the event in Dundalk, Gerry Adams said there was “now a democratic and peaceful way to bring about Irish unity”.
His comments come just days after a BBC poll revealed that 79 per cent of people would support Northern Ireland remaining within the UK.
“I would urge all republicans and nationalists, whatever their opinion of the peace process, and irrespective of which political party or tendency they support, to seize this opportunity to advance republican and nationalist objectives,” said Mr Adams.
“I would especially ask those who are usually described as ‘dissident’ to recognise the potential that this initiative holds.
“There is now a democratic and peaceful way to bring about Irish unity. There is no reason whatever for any group to engage in or promote or support violent actions.
“The challenge for thinking republicans is to find ways to engage with and to listen to the concerns and ambitions of our unionist neighbours.
“As the anniversary of the Easter Rising approaches I want to appeal directly to groups which claim to follow in that tradition to reflect on their position.”
He added: “This is a phase of political activity that is about persuasion; it’s about democratic conversations and winning support for Irish unity.
“Violent actions will not assist this process. Violent actions will make the task of achieving a YES vote more difficult.”
