Sinn Féin MP Conor Murphy, who will be speaking at the Towards a New Ireland Conference on 19th October, has criticized successive Irish Governments for their failure to oversee the full implementation of Agreements arising from the Peace Process.

Commenting in the Belfast-based ‘Irish News’ on recent remarks by Fianna Fail Leader Micheal Martin, the Newry/Armagh MP said that in government Martin did little to develop an all-Ireland economic model and called on the Fianna Fail leader to support the demand for a referendum on Irish unity.

Conor Murphy said:

“Micheal Martin’s recent comments regarding complacency on the part of the British and Irish Governments in relation to the Peace Process is a point consistently raised by Gerry Adams with the Irish Government and directly with the British Prime Minister by Martin McGuinness.

“Both Governments are co-equal partners and guarantors of the agreements arising from the Peace Process. Yet both governments, including those in which Micheal Martin was a Minister, failed to oversee the full implementation of the agreements they entered into.

“The only way to build a stable economic future across this island is to unleash the economic potential of an integrated all-Ireland economy. But realising that vision requires the full and active participation of the Irish Government and I have to say that Micheal Martin while in government did little to develop an all-Ireland economic model or to develop additional areas of co-operation.

“A point in case — the St. Andrews Agreement, provided for a review of all-Ireland bodies and the development of new areas of co-operation. Under Micheal Martin’s watch the Irish Government failed to progress this review or bring forward proposals when in a position to do so.”

Regarding Martin’s comments on recently secured economic investment for the North, Murphy said:

“Sinn Féin was central to securing the significant investment of £18 billion of capital investment for the North and greater flexibility in borrowing powers which will provide the much needed infrastructure required to reinvigorate the economy.

“This Economic Pact provides for a review of fiscal powers for the North. This is a significant achievement, as enhanced fiscal powers will provide the Executive with the ability to address all-Ireland development and harmonisation free from the current restrictions imposed by Westminster.

The Sinn Féin MP called on Micheal Martin and Fianna Fail to support the call for a referendum on Irish unity:

“The Good Friday Agreement provides for a poll on Irish unity. Securing a Border Poll means building support so that the Irish and British governments are moved to fulfill their obligations to hold one. A Border Poll provides a unique opportunity for a real, inclusive and constructive debate on the future of Ireland.

“This is a priority for Sinn Féin. It would be helpful and refreshing if Micheal Martin’s Fianna Fáil were to support this call. It’s time to let the people have their say.”