Interesting comment by Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey at the weekend:
It has been confirmed to me that flowing from the failed December deal of last year, steps will be taken in September to implement speaking rights in the Irish Parliament for Northern Ireland MPs and MEPs. I warned the DUP at the time of the dangers of this proposal but my concerns were dismissed. This, part of Sinn Fein’s all Ireland agenda, is effectively an embryonic all-Ireland Parliament. It must be opposed by Unionists at all costs. (Ulster Unionist Party)
One of the potential beneficiaries, Sinn Fein MP Pat Doherty confirmed that the issue has come up in negotiations.
Mr Doherty said:
"Sinn Féin have consistently raised the issue of the participation of Six
County elected representatives in the Dail. The Irish government have given
commitments to facilitate this, as an expression of the right of northern
nationalists, of Irish citizens, to participation in the political life of
the nation."I welcome any move by the Irish government to give effect to these
commitments." (Sinn Fein)
As far as I know there has been nothing official on this as yet. It has been suggested it would require all-party support, and there are some indications this might not be forthcoming, specifically from the PDs.
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