The Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD has today met with a number of US Congressmen to discuss the dangers of the British Legacy Bill and the timeline for an Irish Unity referendum.
Speaking from Washington, Deputy Tóibín said: “Today in Washington I was part of a delegation with the Ancient Order of Hibernians who met with Congressmen Smith, Fitzpatrick, Kennedy, Lawlor and the office of Congressman Boyle to discuss some very important issues facing the island of Ireland. In my engagements with them I explained how our generation is the closest ever in decades to achieving Irish unity. If we try hard, we can achieve a united Ireland in our lifetime. The main barrier to unity is the fact that the British Secretary of State is the person who has the power to call a referendum, and there is no criteria written into law as to when he should call that referendum. Here in Washington I’ve been encouraging congressmen to ensure that the United States puts pressure on Britain so that criteria is put in place to decide when a referendum will be called”.
Deputy Tóibín continued: “I also spoke about the British Legacy Bill which in originally wording was an absolute disaster in how it denied Irish men and women their right to seek justice for wrongs committed against them by the British army. The new Bill still leaves it with the British Secretary of State to decide whether or not there will be an inquiry or investigation for families seeking justice and answers. Leaving that decision in the hand of a politician is wrong, it should be decided upon in an independent fashion or by the judiciary”.
“Aontú has received a warm welcome here in Washington, especially among Irish American lawmakers from across the political spectrum. We have secured commitments from some that they will put pressure on the British government to do right by the Good Friday Agreement. In the coming days I will be meeting with some of the Irish diaspora here to hear their views and feelings on political developments both here and at home”, concluded Tóibín.
