More American Support for Ireland

Portland joins chorus of American cities calling for Irish Reunification by peaceful means

(San Francisco – April 3, 2011)

The city of Portland, Oregon celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by issuing a Proclamation recognizing Ireland as an ancient and distinct nation, and calling for the Irish and British governments to undertake a referendum on reunification of the entire Island of Ireland, pursuant to the Good Friday Agreement.

Declaring that “it is for the people of Ireland alone, without external impediment, to exercise their right to self-determination and to bring about a united Ireland if that is their wish,” the Proclamation noted that the Good Friday Agreement includes provisions for achieving a united Ireland through democratic and peaceful means.

Portland’s Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) played a pivotal role in the Proclamation’s adoption.  Fittingly, the Proclamation emphasizes the great contribution of Irish immigrants to Portland, the State of Oregon and the United States.

Portland now joins a growing list of U.S. cities, counties, states and prominent organizations calling for Irish reunification by democratic, electoral means, as provided for under the Good Friday Agreement. Such Resolutions have been adopted by Boston, the New Jersey General Assembly, Lawrence, Massachusetts, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Syracuse, Cleveland, Rockland County, N.Y., The California Democratic Party, The San Francisco Labor Council, and Veterans for Peace.

The campaign for Irish reunification has expanded into Canada. Many prominent Canadians, including senior politicians from a broad political spectrum and the former Solicitor General of Canada have signed the Irish Unity Pledge, adding to the momentum generated by U.S. efforts.

“Ireland's story did not end with the Good Friday Peace Agreement,” said David O'Longaigh, of Portland’s Ancient Order of Hibernians. “It’s still being written, and each of these resolutions take us closer to the final chapter, a United Ireland.

To learn more on this issue go to  www.aunitedireland.org

Campaign for a United Ireland

San Francisco, CA

www.aunitedireland.org