Historic handshake another stepping stone to peace, reconciliation and reunification – Kelly

Wexford Sinn Féin has welcomed the historic meeting that took place in Belfast yesterday between the President of Ireland, the Queen of England, First and Deputy First Ministers Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness. Local Sinn Féin Cllr Anthony Kelly has described the meeting as another key stepping stone in the ongoing peace process and a further move towards a peaceful reunified Ireland.

“The meeting of Deputy First Minister and lifelong republican activist Martin McGuinness with the Queen of England in Belfast yesterday will go down in the history books as another key stepping stone in the peace process,” Cllr Kelly said. “The time had come to make this move. No doubt there are many who may be hurt now by the meeting but I am confident that viewed in retrospect it will be clear for all to see that this was a genuine move taken to protect the peace process, reach out to the unionist community in the six counties and to progress the true republican ideal of seeing an independent united Ireland emerge.”

“We are all about the work of building a new republic. Let’s not forget that our republican ethos goes back to Wolfe Tone and the United Irishmen who sought to unite Catholics, Protestants and dissenters. Today we do the same by demonstrating to our unionist neighbours that we are serious about creating a united society on this island that they will be comfortable in. A republic of equals.”

“Over the years I have personally always looked to a day when this island should once again be united. Many sneer at such an idea and say that it will never happen. Even those who support the ideal of a united Ireland say that they will not live to see such a day. After yesterdays courageous move of reconciliation, I believe that day of unity has never been closer.”