Michelle O’Neill – United Ireland would see ‘resurgent growth’
Growth in a resurgent United Ireland would quickly replace British Government funding, Sinn Fein’s deputy leader said.
Michelle O’Neill said unity would add 2% to the debt of the island but predicted a sharp rise in living standards in Northern Ireland.
Republicans believe Brexit and the prospect of Northern Ireland being taken out of the EU against the will of a majority in the referendum has revitalised their case for a united Ireland.
The annual cash transfer from Great Britain for running public services in Northern Ireland was considerably smaller than widely estimated, at around £9.2 billion a year, Sinn Fein’s vice-president said.
“Over the last three years pro-remain parties and industry leaders have united to protect our economy from Brexit.
“Through co-operation we have protected the Good Friday Agreement and the all-Ireland economy.”
Addressing @NIChamber#5LD5Dpic.twitter.com/lslrikzxGu
— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) November 26, 2019
She added: “I believe it is perfectly manageable and the benefits are substantial.”
Post-Brexit and over eight years, gross domestic product would receive a 25.5 billion euro boost, the Sinn Fein leader added.
“That is a hugely significant figure in terms of the benefit that could be accrued.
“And that growth would be released in a united Ireland.
“It would quickly wipe out the subvention and increase living standards across the island but particularly here in the north where our standards are lower.”
Brexit, a new Economic Strategy and a new Ireland the three key themes as @moneillsf @sinnfeinireland addresses @NIChamber #5L5D event this morning pic.twitter.com/Mgg7LLTb9o
— NIChamberofCommerce (@NIChamber) November 26, 2019
On Tuesday she addressed business leaders at a General Election hustings meeting organised by the Northern Ireland Chamber and hosted by BT in Belfast.
Sinn Fein is aiming to defend its seats and win North Belfast.
Its anti-Brexit candidate John Finucane, a lawyer, son of murdered solicitor Pat Finucane and Lord Mayor of Belfast, is bidding to unseat DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds.
Mrs O’Neill again urged the Irish Government to convene an all-island forum on planning for unity, a measure Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said would be provocative.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly stressed his commitment to the constituent parts of the UK and the British Government has given no indication that any poll on unity is being considered.
His proposed Brexit deal would involve new bureaucracy and checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea for firms in Northern Ireland to avoid any border on the island of Ireland.
