Colm Fitzpatrick
Peadar Tóibín Pro-life TD Peadar Tóibín has announced the name of his new political party as Aontú – which means unity and consent.
The name was unveiled on Twitter ahead of a public meeting in Belfast on Monday night. The Meath West TD said the city was chosen for the formal announcement because it was the birthplace of United Irishmen.
“Belfast was the birth place of the United Irishmen who fought for a free, independent and pluralist Ireland for Catholic, Protestant and Dissenter,” he tweeted, later telling this newspaper that he wants a party that reaches out to different traditions.
Support
The politician, who resigned from Sinn Féin last November because of his pro-life stance, said his new party will focus on social justice issues like abortion.
“We want to make sure all mothers have the economic support necessary so they have the confidence to bring their child to term as well as raise their child,” he said.
Mr Tóibín added that the party is also concerned with economic justice and intends to alleviate the homelessness crisis across Ireland and deal with the enduring problem of medical treatment on trolleys.
With a “massive level of momentum”, and hundreds of people joining the party on a weekly basis, he encouraged Irish citizens to support it.