Several hundred people packed into the United Irish Cultural Center of San Francisco last night for a public meeting on Irish Unity hosted by the city's Knights of the Red Branch and The Irish Herald newspaper.
Guest speakers in from Ireland were Niall Murphy, a prominent civil rights attorney, and Reverend Karen Sethuraman, Ireland's only female Baptist minister. Both are board members of Ireland's Future which is leading the debate on a referendum on Irish unity. UNITY PLEDGE: Ciaran Scally
Opening the event, veteran United Ireland campaigner Ciarán Scally said the conversation around constitutional change was now the most urgent question of our time.
Said Liam Reidy of the United Irish Cultural Center: "This event emphasized our shared belief that a fair and prosperous society for everyone in Ireland, regardless of faith tradition, cultural background, or ethnicity, is best achieved through the reunification of the country. The discussions focused on advancing constitutional change with a strong emphasis on reconciliation."
"Irish America has a vital role to play in this endeavor, and the participation and support of the Irish American community of San Francisco was crucial to the event's success."
FAITH LEADERS: Rabbi Steven Jacobs of San Francisco with Rev Karen Sethuraman at last night's Irish Unity meeting in San Francisco Irish Center
Among those in attendance were 2026 Gubernatorial candidate and former Controller for California Betty Yee and her husband Rabbi Steve Jacobs. Also represented at the gathering was Consul General of Ireland in San Francisco, Micheál Smith.
