Irish Unity Summit
A Letter From Ireland
a Chara,
I am in New York for the Irish Unity Summit. It has been months of planning and preparations. The venue is sold out. The panelists are all in town. The “go” button will be pressed in a couple of hours.
Hopefully, it will be an informative, inspiring, and entertaining event.
I was reminded as we worked our way through all of the logistics of the week that the journey was just as important as the destination. It has been a great team effort anchored by the ever-present and ever-patient Greg O’Loughlin from Friends of Sinn Féin.
The amount of energy and expertise that all brought to the event will ensure that it will be a success.
No job is too big or small. We were inundated with requests to help out and volunteer.
Working with a team of committed individuals and groups makes up half of the work. The hope, interest, and optimism for Ireland and unity were tangible.
There was openness to a diversity of opinions and ideas, which is reflected in the program.
We have the opportunity to build a new and united Ireland. To define a state and unite all the people and the Island. How we achieve that is just as important as where we end up.
A new Ireland will be defined by the people. It must be a home to all. It will not be solely in the ownership of one section or another. That is why the Unity Summit is so important. It will give a voice to all who want to work towards a better Ireland. A space to exchange ideas, and strategize on the way forward.
The opportunities are boundless. I cannot write out what a new Ireland will be. It is not mine to write.
We together will define our destiny. The diaspora, our nation abroad, must have a voice in that process.
The final destination might not be defined but be sure we are on a journey.
Good luck to all those attending the event and many thanks to all those who have made it possible. I hope to see you on the road.
Is mise,
Ciarán
Ciarán Quinn is the Sinn Féin Representative to North America
