New Ireland Commission

Image of Colum Eastwood MP at St Mary’s University College during Féile an Phobail. Quote reads: This constitutional context isn't working. It doesn't work for young nationalists in Derry. It doesn't work for young unionists in Belfast. It's not reconciliation OR unity. It's reconciliation AND unity. And better public services for everyone who lives here.

Building a new Ireland is about changing the record for people in every community on our island , regardless of their background, who have been badly served by the failure to deliver good public services, high quality housing and new economic opportunities.

Our mission is to build a new Ireland by winning a referendum. That means we need to understand the needs, hopes, concerns and fears of everyone but particularly people in the middle who are open to change.

@columeastwood.ie speaking to @dmcbfs.bsky.social at Féile an Phobail.

Irish government begins work of costing out a United Ireland Irish government begins costing for reunification

Welcome news that the Irish Government is engaging in the detailed work of examining the cost of harmonising services in a New Ireland.

This practical preparation is essential and will help build the case for change. www.irishnews.com/news/norther...

NI voters still favour the Union over a united Ireland – but gap narrows to 7%, poll finds The gap between support for Irish unity and Northern Ireland staying in the UK has narrowed in the past year.

The gap between support for Irish unity and Northern Ireland staying in the UK has narrowed to 7% in the past year new poll finds.

m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politic...

David McCann: Colum Eastwood and his New Ireland Commission have an important year ahead There is a real opportunity between now and the next set of elections to realign the debates on constitutional change north and south

“There is a real opportunity between now and the next set of elections to realign the debates on constitutional change between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.”

Read more from Dr David McCann on our important year in the @irishnews.com @dmcbfs.bsky.social www.irishnews.com/opinion/davi...

Catch our chairman @columeastwood.ie on BBC Northern Ireland’s Sunday Politics today talking about our work and the opportunity to build a New Ireland.

For a full assessment of manifesto pledges, you can read our publication ‘Pledging a new future together’ available on the New Ireland Commission website:

newirelandcommission.com/wp-content/u...

Purple background with an image of Social Democrats candidates at a press conference in the upper centre. Text reads: A Green Paper presented following comprehensive discussion with all stakeholders in advance of a Border Poll. Areas of co-operation should be expanded regarding public health, out of hours GP services and specialist hospital services. Fundamental challenges must be addressed in the Republic of Ireland in advance of any unification process including a universal healthcare system. Constitutional reform to ensure absolute separation of Church and State.

The Social Democrats set out some fundamental changes required of the state before a unity referendum including the introduction of a universal healthcare system.

The party also proposed a Green Paper on unity and an expansion of North-South cooperation.

Red background with a picture of the Labour Parliamentary Party in the upper centre. Text reads: A new Department of Unification responsible for reconciliation, harmonisation, integration, and unity planning under the remit of the Taoiseach. A standalone senior Ministry in advance of a future referendum. A new Joint Oireachtas Committee to oversee, assist, and advise on the preparatory work of the Government. An academic advisory council to provide the best available domestic and international research leading to a Green Paper on all the issues.

The Labour Party set out a comprehensive range of commitments which included a new government Department responsible for reunification with a Minister of State.

The party also proposes a new Oireachtas committee to assist the government and an Academic Council to provide research for a Green Paper.

Turquoise background with a picture of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party in the upper centre. Text reads: Collaborate closely with the UK Government and reset Irish-UK relations. Build a future of economic prosperity through the Shared Island initiative. Work together on a North-South, East-West basis and strive to improve the lives of everyone across these islands through collaboration and partnership. Collaborate closely with the UK Government recognising that the peace process thrives when both governments act as full partners and co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement

Fine Gael pledged to continue the work of the last Irish Government in resetting Irish-British relations and using the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement to create opportunities for collaboration and prosperity.

Green background with a picture of the Sinn Féin parliamentary party in the upper centre. Text reads: Commence planning for and actively working toward the holding, by the end of this decade, of the referendums on Irish reunification. Produce a government 'Green Paper' in the first 100 days setting out our vision for a New and United Ireland. Establish a 'Reunification and One Ireland' unit within the Department of An Taoiseach, with a Minister of State for Reunification and One Ireland. Establish a joint Oireachtas Committee and citizens assemblies on reunification and future constitutional change.

Sinn Féin’s manifesto set out structural changes to a future Irish Government to prioritise planning for unity.

These included a new Minister of State for reunification, a joint committee of the Oireachtas and a series of citizen’s assemblies.

Mid green background with a picture of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party in the upper centre. Text reads: Increase the resources available to the Shared Island Fund by an additional €1bn. Introduce specific targets for each government department to come forward with new Shared Island projects. Undertake significantly more research to understand the full extent of differences and similarities between the current jurisdictions on vital issues. Engage with parties on areas where work can be done to develop essential proposals concerning future constitutional arrangements.

The Fianna Fáil manifesto made a significant additional financial commitment to the Shared Island Fund and to hardwiring shared island projects into the work of every department.

The party also pledged to ramp up research on future constitutional arrangements.

Blue background with text reading: New Ireland Commission What were the parties saying about Irish Unity during the election? New Ireland Commission urges parties to adopt 'common platform' in government formation talks.

The election is over but coalition formation negotiations are just starting.

We believe there’s space for a common platform on advancing Irish unity after assessing each of the party manifestos.

Here are some of the key pledges each party made.

Irish unity quietly becoming more significant for Dáil parties Voters are not talking about Irish unity, but an increasing number of politicians are convinced issue will occupy more time in years ahead

Irish unity quietly becoming more significant for Dáil parties www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...

We were delighted to host a conversation with @columeastwood.ie , @leovaradkartd.bsky.social and young people in Derry a few weeks ago to hear their ideas about the future of our island.

We’re about convening the ideas for change that will unite people and communities across Ireland. #newireland

Manifestos’ unity commitments welcomed by New Ireland Commission chair Colum Eastwood said pledges on Irish reunification ahead of next week’s general election reflected the growing debate around constitutional chang

The broad base of commitments and ideas produced in manifestos ahead of next week’s election is a good indication that parties are thinking seriously about how government can meaningfully advance unification.

We are committed to convening those big ideas. www.irishnews.com/news/politic...

New Ireland Commission document: A green background with a picture of government buildings at the bottom. Text reads: PLEDGING A NEW FUTURE TOGETHER An assessment of election manifestos and their commitments to advancing the case for Irish Unity in the Irish General Election.

Today we published an assessment of manifesto pledges on #IrishUnity made ahead of next week’s general #election.

The Commission wrote to leaders earlier this month asking them to make a clear commitment to unity as an objective of government.

newirelandcommission.com/wp-content/u...

Green background with New Ireland Commission logo in the upper left. Text reads: The world is changing fast right now. We know that can feel rough. But if you're concerned, or angry, or just want a different kind of future, ask yourself - what am I doing about it? We're mobilising a movement for change. And we want you to help us. newirelandcommission.com

We heard there was a place for some #blueskythinking?