Seanad Éireann is listening to “Unionist and other voices” as part of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee on the Constitutional Future of the Island of Ireland

On Friday, 14 October, the Seanad will hold a meeting to listen to unionist and other voices as part of the Seanad Public Consultation on the Constitutional Future of the island of Ireland.

The meeting which will be held in the Seanad Chamber will be in three parts. The morning session (11am-1pm) will focus on listening to and engaging with faith leaders, including the former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church Mr Norman Hamilton.

The next session will be led by Alliance Party Westminster MP, Dr Stephen Farry.

The afternoon session will hear from voices from the Unionist community, including Claire Sugden MLA, former Minister for Justice in the Executive, Professor Peter Shirlow, and former Senator Ian Marshall.

Senator Mark Daly, Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann and Chairperson of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee, said: “Our Committee is indebted to the many people throughout the island who will engage with us throughout this process. In particular, I wish to warmly welcome the presence of our friends from the Unionist community, who will join us in the Seanad Chamber in the afternoon. I would particularly like to welcome back former Senator Ian Marshall OBE.”

In his submission to the Committee Senator Marshall OBE said: “Any conversations about the constitutional future of the island of Ireland must always acknowledge and discuss any change in the context of Irish unity directly compared and contrasted with change where Northern Ireland remains part of the United Kingdom. Conversations about constitutional change must be conducted with open minds and respect for difference where evidence and modelling is presented in conjunction with opinion to furnish all citizens, young and old, with enough information to take an informed position if or when they are asked about the constitutional future. The constitutional conversation must be detoxified and a platform created for all to speak, for all to be heard, but most importantly for all to listen.”

The meeting in the Seanad Chamber can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.