With all the recent debate over the Commonwealth, readers may be interested in a debate held in the Northern Ireland Assembly on the topic of joining the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
The Hansard Record of the debate is here: http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/record/reports2007/070514.htm
The motion on rejoining the CPA was put forward by Rev. Dr. Robert Coulter MLA:
"That this Assembly agrees to re-apply for admission to membership of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, such membership to be effective immediately on approval of the application by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and to abide by the provisions of the constitution of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association; that the required membership fee be paid to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association; and that this motion be communicated to the secretariat of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association immediately following agreement.
The debate was notable for a number of reasons, not least as Sinn Fein did not oppose rejoining the CPA. Mitchell McLaughlin MLA, speaking for Sinn Fein stated:
"Sinn Féin will not vote against the motion. As Members will understand, although the issue is not a matter of primary interest to Sinn Féin, it will not set up any obstacles or cause difficulties for Members who feel that the motion reflects their cultural, political and social affinities."
The question on the motion was then put to the Northern Ireland Assembly and agreed to.
Hopefully the day will come before too long when Dail Eireann follows suit!
