Blaney in Belfast visit as Fianna Fáil Seanad spokesperson on Northern Ireland

Senator Niall Blaney, met with political and community groups as part of the Fianna Fáil committee on Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement, in Belfast this week.

He is currently the Fianna Fáil Seanad Spokesperson on Northern Ireland. 

Admitting that “it is very obvious to all that the present situation is very challenging," he added that the effect of Brexit, specifically the Protocol, is resulting in many pressure points and stresses in Northern Ireland.

The Donegal Senator said:

“Next April marks the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and ahead of that, I and my fellow committee members very much wanted to discuss the current state of play and to learn how the agreement is now viewed a quarter of a century later, and what we need to do to address the current challenges.

“We were told in one meeting that if there was a referendum on the Good Friday Agreement today, it would be rejected by unionists. This might seem shocking or surprising to some, but it clearly shows the strength of feeling.”

“Nevertheless, there continues to be a continuing belief in the need for, and the value of, engagement and discussion. Everyone wants to see the Assembly meeting again and a working Executive put in place. It is imperative that the issues surrounding the Protocol are fixed as soon as possible and efforts to do so must not slacken.”

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“As Fianna Fáil Seanad Spokesperson on Northern Ireland, I found the high regard and trust that there is for Micheál Martin very heartening, and the government must make the most of that. The enormous respect that Bertie Ahern continues to be command in unionist circles is also very striking and should also be borne in mind by government.”

“Consistent engagement, whether formal or informal, will be crucial in coming weeks and months. The Good Friday Agreement was transformative, and with its twenty-fifth anniversary imminent we need to do all we can to protect it.” 

He also welcomed a new €3 million Shared Island Civic Society Fund announced today by Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin. 

In its first three years, the Shared Island Civil Society Fund will enable organisations to work on a regional, national or sectoral cross-border basis on such issues including: Climate and Environment; Community development; Heritage and conservation 
Social Enterprise;  Charity and Voluntary Sector and Sport.  

He said: "This very substantial funding under the Shared Island initiative will allow the space and resources to open conversations and dialogue between civil society groups across the island of Ireland."