…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Sinn Fein’s Michelle O’Neill, the party’s vice president, has defended her decision to attend the King’s coronation as a demonstration of her commitment to reconciliation.
O’Neill, along with Sinn Fein’s Assembly speaker Alex Maskey, have accepted invitations to the ceremony, which signals the improving relationship between the republican movement and the Royal family.
The attendance is part of O’Neill’s pledge to become Northern Ireland’s first minister for all, representing everyone in the community.
She acknowledged that the coronation holds significant importance for many people on the island, adding that her attendance at the event represents her commitment to bring forward a better society for all.
Commitment to reconciliation
O’Neill’s acceptance of the invitation comes as a gesture of commitment to bring people together, especially amid political tension.
She mentioned that times like these are crucial in demonstrating through words and deeds that she will represent everybody in the community.
Her attendance represents a step towards reconciling the differences between the Royal family and the republican movement.
Building a better future
O’Neill emphasized her focus on the future, which includes building better relationships between the people across both islands.
She acknowledged that reconciling all the people across these two islands remains an ongoing process, and that as political leaders, they must extend a hand of friendship to work towards a brighter future.
For O’Neill, attending the coronation is more than just a gesture, and she intends to build a better future for everyone that lives and shares the place as their home.
Political leadership
O’Neill also emphasized that all political leaders must take the initiative to reach out with a hand of friendship to promote reconciliation.
She said that her attendance at the coronation is part of her belief that it is the right thing to do, and it represents her promise to fulfil her commitment to being the first minister for all.
Despite any reciprocation, she intends to do what she believes is right, and that includes building a better future for everyone.
Her attendance at the event, according to her, is more than just a gesture, as she hopes it will be received as intended.