"Emma DeSouza is an Irish citizen, the British government must recognise that" - Tóibín
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD has responded to the news that Emma DeSouza from Magherafelt, Co. Derry has lost her case at a British tribunal which ruled that people born in the north are automatically British.
An Teachta Tóibín TD stated: “Under the Good Friday Agreement anyone born in the north has the right to identify as Irish, British or both.
“This agreement was made in April 1998 and signed by both the British and Irish governments. In line with that historic agreement the Irish government amended its law to deliver the agreed rights. Questions should now be asked of the British government why similar measures have not been taken to amend their law.
"This is only the latest blow to the Good Friday Agreement. The issue of consent, which was hardwired into the agreement, has been ignored completely in relation to Brexit. 1,000 days have elapsed since there was any semblance of self determination in Stormont. Westminster has trashed the issue of devolution, legislating for issues such as abortion against the wishes of the people of the north. A unity referendum is being ignored despite the majority of Irish people north and south indicating in polls that they seek unity.
"Much of this has happened as the southern government has looked elsewhere. Yes, Brexit has been to the fore in government minds and actions in recent years, but the protection of the main tenants of the Good Friday Agreement has not been, nor has the pursuit of unity. The agreement is a key element in the peace of our country and should not be taken for granted."
