Former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, has stated that the extension of cross-border collaboration on a wider range of subjects is crucial, even if these cooperative efforts occur outside the parameters of the Belfast Agreement’s institutions. Ahern was giving his remarks at a conference in Belfast, organised by the Irish Association to commemorate the North-South Ministerial Council’s (NSMC) 25 year journey, where he acknowledged the significant strides made post-1998.
During the formation of the agreement, proposals of a joint Irish-British paper suggesting the development of 40 executive-powered cross-border bodies almost derailed discussions. Presently, despite there being no need to create a similar list, Ahern believes that it would make sense to foster cooperation in select areas. He suggested this could happen unofficially, beyond the NSMC framework. Ahern firmly stated that increased cross-border interactions could address more concerns effectively, contributing to improved results.
The former Taoiseach underlined that this development would not disrupt the constitutional settlement, rather, improved cross-border cooperation at its most fundamental level would provide better solutions to the entire island’s residents in ways that would directly affect their daily life. He also pointed out that despite frequent interruptions the NSMC has been facing due to numerous Stormont institutions collapses and scepticism from unionist politicians, significant cross-border collaboration in healthcare, such as the all-island paediatric care in Dublin, is already taking shape. Ahern emphasised that the potential for increased cooperation should now be apparent to all, given the inherent limitation of the Republic and Northern Ireland in establishing standalone medical centres of excellence due to funding constraints.
“He expressed a sentiment of unity, suggesting that mutual collaboration could greatly benefit our society, and, he believed, not cause any distress to anyone.
He expressed optimism that the frequent halts to the work of the NSMC seen in the past are over, and wished for a period of stability under the guidance of Stormont.
In addition, he highlighted to the listeners the crucial role North-South co-operation, diplomatically termed Strand II, played in convincing the public in the Republic to relinquish Articles 2 and 3 of the Constitution in the 1998 plebiscite.
However, in a motivating tone, Mr Ahern encouraged all parties to strive for greater ambition, while suggesting that they shed the repeated fear shown in announcements regarding North-South collaboration, a trend that saw every element meticulously examined down to the final phrase.
“I believe it’s time to let go of this fear, truth be told. There’s no obligation to develop a communique, open to scrutiny by the entire world for perfection. It would be preferable to forgo any communication and simply concur on all fronts and get to work,” he expressed.
He noted it had been a significant 26 years since the pact was accepted. “We are all adults now, and are aware of the backstage happenings, however, it’s time we put an end to them. This should cease. This should apply to everyone,” He emphasised.
“So, let’s focus on the essence and the spirit of what we are doing instead of creating upset. In my opinion, no one would take offense now,” the ex-Fianna Fáil chief expressed to the assembly.