Adams: Confident in Irish-American efforts for united Ireland

Tells Sinn Fein conference: 'This generation can make it real'

Unification would require big compromises, O’Leary added. “People are woried Ireland would be destabilized and there are fears of costs, of U.K. debt and of replacing U.K. public expenditure.”

Despite these specific questions, the conference was less about practicalities than about dialogue. “We decided very consciously that we wouldn’t come here and tell people what to do,” Adams explained. “We would come here and say, now what do you think you can do.”

Many of those present were from the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Irish Unity Conference, Irish Northern Aid and other groups, and reactions were positive but realistic.

“It’ll be a difficult path to take,” said Brian Pearson, from County Tyrone. Pearson is a former Long Kesh resident who faced deportation in 1995 but managed to avoid it with the help of Bill Clinton. “The South of Ireland is dormant, they’re not as active as they should be,” he added.

“I think it was very good, very informative,” said Charlie Lord, who emigrated from Belfast in 1987 and lived here illegally before setting up his own business. “We’re looking for a better Ireland for everyone.”

“It’s a great initiative,” said Dr. Christine Kinealy, professor of Irish history at Drew University, noting that the event was open to everyone and there was no screening or ticket requirement, which made it inclusive. “I was disappointed by the lack of women on the panel though,” she said.

At the end of the conference, the precise plans for creating a united Ireland remain unclear, but Sinn Fein’s certainty is not.

“This generation can make it real,” Adams said. “But I can’t tell you how to do it. You know how to do it. and if you don’t, you’ll find out.”

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Nster.com