Queen’s Sinn Féin Host Successful Debate on ‘Government of Ireland Act’

Queens Sheena Campbell Cumann recently hosted a debate in the Students Union in relation to the Government of Ireland Act. The event was organised to coincide with the 90th anniversary of the signing of the Act. There to debate the Act on the night were SF MLA Alex Maskey and UUP MLA John McCallister.



The debate began with Alex explaining how Britain has operated the classic colonial divide and rule strategy in Ireland using partition. He then went on to speak of the social and economic effects of partition and how they have been disastrous for working people, North and South.

Alex stated ‘Partition has led to discrimination in employment, waste of millions on maintaining the border, the external dependency of the two states, industrial under-development, unemployment, emigration and poverty. It has further led to conservative administrations in both states, low status of women, clerical control and stagnation in education and health provision.’



Next up to speak was the deputy leader of the UUP John McCallister. John obviously had an extremely different view from Alex. He spoke of how he would like to see the North of Ireland remain closely linked with Britain. He spoke of his loyalty to the crown and how he was proud to say that he is a British citizen.

John agreed that he would like to see an all Ireland health service and wanted a fair and just system for all sections of society; however he was adamant that he did not want to lose the North’s place within the ‘UK’. John stated, “Partition is here to stay whether you like it or not”, which caused much controversy from the audience.
The floor was then opened for a question and answer session which seen the two politicians attempt to get their views across as best they could as to why they feel partition should be abolished or should stay in place.

Alex Maskey stated that he wanted to see a brand new Ireland that was free from division and that promoted equality for all. When the UUP’s John was asked whether he would support a United Ireland if there was a majority consensus for it, he amusingly replied,

“Yes, I suppose I would have to if it was fair and equal to all.... but I probably wouldn’t like it very much!”



Overall the event went extremely well and had a great turn out. Chair of Queens SF Cumann Megan Fearon stated,

“We are so pleased with how the event went. It is great to see so many young people here tonight that have such a great interest in the political situation in Ireland, both North and South. I want to take this opportunity to thank both Alex and John for speaking tonight and making the event so fascinating, as the audience got to hear both sides of the argument. Partition frustrates national democracy and national reconciliation”.