Northern Ireland

Former Taoiseach to address Ireland’s Future event

Leo Varadkar TD will attend the Pathway to Change conference

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaking to the media at Blair House in Washington DC
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (Niall Carson/PA)

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will address a major summit in Belfast to discuss planning for a United Ireland.

Ireland’s Future: Pathway to change is being billed as the biggest conference in the north discussing the prospect of a new constitutional arrangement on the island.

It’s held a number of events in recent years attracting thousands of attendees.

The group said it is imperative that we all engage in the conversation and ensure that society is ready for the change that our island will soon undergo.

A poster for the upcoming Ireland's Future 'Pathway to Change' event.
A poster for the upcoming Ireland's Future 'Pathway to Change' event.

Speaking on Friday, Mr Varadkar TD said: “There is no doubt that inclusive constitutional conversations are happening in a new way on this island.

“Safe, constructive, shared discussions will be pivotal to building our future.

“I have said before that there could be a United Ireland in my lifetime and participating in events such as this Ireland’s Future conference is very important in that regard.

“I look forward to, not only to speaking at the event but also listening to what others have to say”



Making the announcement, Ireland’s Future Secretary Niall Murphy said “As leader of Fine Gael, and as Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar was engaged in the constitutional conversation in an unprecedented fashion.

“We are delighted that his contribution to the change happening on this island is continuing and look forward to hearing what will no doubt be seminal comments.”

Other speakers include Prof Brendan O’Leary, Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald, Chair of the BMA Dr Tom Black and President of GAA Jarlath Burns.

The conference will take place in the Belfast SSE on Saturday June 15 at 12pm