A Shared Island – Feighan

The Draft Framework Agreement between Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil is an historic moment in our political history at a time of national emergency, Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has said.

Deputy Feighan said that the ‘Shared Island’ aspect of the proposal is one of the most important features contained within the document for the future of our island.

Deputy Feighan is a former chair of the Oireachtas Good Friday Committee and also chaired the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly. He is a long-term advocate and supporter of the unification of the different people, traditions and customs on the island of Ireland.

“I have always sought to try to improve the relationships and links between the two islands in my role as an elected representative.

“We have to understand that a united island is not a one-way street and there has to be compromise and understanding of our shared history and traditions from both sides to achieve this goal of a brighter future.”

During his maiden speech as an elected member of the Sligo – Leitrim Constituency in February, Deputy Feighan said: “One of the best days of my life was when the 1985 Anglo Irish Agreement was signed.

“I say this because this led to the Good Friday Agreement and all the progress we have seen to date. I want to help to unite the people of this island and this is why it is my view that this Draft Framework Document and the carefully chosen language contained within it will help to achieve this as it is ambitious and respectful in equal measure.

“I want to commend the specific commitments contained within the document on the plans to support cross border projects which I have continually highlighted and fought for as a national politician.

“Projects such as the increased access of local border communities to EU Peace Funds, cross border Greenways, the investigation into a highspeed rail link between Dublin and Belfast and the A5 motorway linking North and South.

“These are all vital projects to the achievement of this said goal of uniting the people of this island.”

ENDS