A new Irish party founded for Reunification and Independence: Aontú

Former Sinn Féin politician Peadar Tóibín has named his new political party Aontú, meaning ‘agreement’ or ‘unity’ in Irish Gaelic language. Mr Tóibín unveiled the name in a post on Twitter ahead of a public meeting in Belfast on Monday night. More than 150 were at Belfast launch of new all-Ireland party. The Meath West TD said the city was chosen for the announcement because it was the birthplace of the United Irishmen. In a tweet Mr Tóibín said: “Belfast was the birth place of the United Irishmen who fought for a free, independent and pluralist Ireland for Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter. In 30 minutes we will launch our new name and our vision in the same city".

Mr Tóibín resigned from Sinn Féin in November after 21 years as a member of the party, saying he was going to build a new 32-county movement. He had been suspended by Sinn Fein after defying the party and voting against the proposed abortion legislation to allow terminations up to 12 weeks of pregnancy and in limited circumstances thereafter. The Sinn Fein policy was to support the legislation. Aontú is expected to run candidates in council elections in Northern Ireland and the Republic in May. Councillors as Cavan Councillor Sarah O’Reilly resigned from Fianna Fáil to join the new political party or Úna D'Arcy declared for the new All Ireland Movement. This week meetings Aontú has organized for meetings in Belfast, Laois, Limerick and Derry. The movement aim is to form 100 cumainn (branches). Some indications that it may be Fianna Fáil base that will be most impacted though makeup includes members with SDLP, SF and Independent background. A united independent Ireland and economic justice are among Aontú’s key aims.