New Sinn Féin leader in Cork tomorrow

New Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald will address a major conference in Cork tomorrow.

Deputy McDonald will speak in Cork City Hall tomorrow at 1pm in a conference which will discuss building for the future of a united Ireland.

McDonald will address the conference along with Sinn Féin Vice President Michelle O’Neill and MEPs Matt Carthy and Liadh Ní Riada.

Other speakers at the two panel discussions include Noel Whelan, Bill White of Lucid Talks, Dr Paul Burgess, Kevin Meaghar and Paddy Cullivan and John Douglas.

Deputy McDonald said: “A unity referendum is a central part of the Good Friday Agreement. Sinn Féin wants to see such a referendum in the next five years. We believe that such a referendum is achievable in that timeframe and we also believe that it is winnable.

“However, Irish Unity must be planned for and it must be worked for. Aspiration alone is insufficient. We need to build a mass movement and momentum for Irish unity. We must take nothing for granted.

“Of course we must also listen who those who don’t want a united Ireland. It is our task to persuade those people, sectors and communities of why it’s in their best economic and political interests to share power across this island.

“We must convince them that no one has anything to fear because we will shape and we will build the future together. That is why Sinn Féin’s series of conferences on this issue are so important.”

Ms McDonald was formally elected as party leader a fortnight ago, taking over from former president Gerry Adams, who had previously held the position for over 30 years.

The conference is free to attend, with registration beginning from 12 midday.