Calling on the English and Irish Governments to take immediate steps necessary to bring to fullness the promises of the all Ireland institutions called for and envisioned by the Good Friday agreement, requesting the Irish government to formally study the implications of a United Ireland and outline steps fundamental to restore the Irish nation and publicly report their finding and plans, and respectfully suggesting that the Irish government move without delay to further the peaceful healing of the Irish nation by granting duly elected Northern MP's "Speaking Rights" in the Irish Parliament and expanding the voting rights for the Irish President to the citizens of the six counties of the North of Ireland.

WHEREAS, Ireland and its people are an ancient and distinct nation; and

WHEREAS, Ireland is an island nation that has throughout its history been comprised of 32 counties, artificially divided into a 26 county (the Irish Republic) and a 6 county (Northern Ireland) unit in the 1920s; and

WHEREAS, This artificial, forced division of the Irish Nation was designed to be a transitory answer to the 1920s issues; and

WHEREAS, History has demonstrated that the Irish people have the right and responsibility to govern themselves; and

WHEREAS, Human and civic rights derive “their just powers from the consent of the governed” and are best guaranteed by the people's freely instituted, duly elected and independent government; and

WHEREAS, The Irish Republic is a member of the European Economic Union and a unified, independent Irish economy is the most effective way to grow that economy and the most fair and impartial path to extend the benefits of such growth to all Ireland; and

WHEREAS, A unified, independent Irish Police Service and Justice System is necessary to be effective, fair, and impartial; and

WHEREAS, A unified, independent Irish Society is most likely to provide for the social and practical needs of its people; and

WHEREAS, The historic Good Friday Agreement, negotiated with American support, and ratified by the English and Irish governments, as well as a vote of the entire island of Ireland, includes provisions for achieving a United Ireland through purely democratic and peaceful means and provides for the development of North/South Institutions and cross-border cooperation; and

WEHREAS, The United States and Philadelphia have greatly benefited from the contributions of the sons and daughters of Ireland; and

WHEREAS, The democratic reunification of Ireland is the ultimate roadmap to peace and prosperity for the Irish nation and people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That Council does hereby call on the English and Irish Governments to take immediate steps necessary to bring to fullness the promises of the all Ireland institutions called for and envisioned by the Good Friday agreement, request the Irish government to formally study the implications of a United Ireland and outline steps fundamental to restore the Irish nation and publicly report their finding and plans, and respectfully suggest that the Irish government move without delay to further the peaceful healing of the Irish nation by granting duly elected Northern MP's “Speaking Rights” in the Irish Parliament and expanding the voting rights for the Irish President to the citizens of the six counties of the North of Ireland.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Ancient Order of Hibernians as evidence of the sincere sentiments and recognition of this legislative body.

End