Sinn Féin’s John Finucane has spoke about a “shared desire for national independence” as he addressed the Plaid Cymru annual conference in Wales.
The North Belfast MP described how the two parties must “move forward together as we build a new Ireland, and a new Wales”.
Mr Finucane also used his speech to reiterate calls for the Irish government to lead preparations for Irish unity.
The Sinn Féin politician was the guest speaker on Saturday at the Welsh nationalist party’s two-day conference.
Addressing delegates in Cardiff, he said: “Our strong link as parties is founded on our shared desire for national independence, free from the constraints of Westminster.
“Over the past 14 years, the British government has starved public services in the north and across Britain of the necessary funding to deliver good-quality services.
“In Sinn Féin’s meetings with the new British government, we have been clear - workers and families have bore the brunt of savage Tory cuts for too long.
“As First Minister Michelle O’Neill said two weeks ago, the jury is still out on the new British government and its commitment to the Good Friday Agreement.
“However one thing is clear, their initial actions including the cut to the winter fuel payments demonstrates more of the same failed austerity policies and broken promises that have failed our communities for far too long.
“No longer should ordinary people have to endure this hardship. Now is the time for the British government to fairly fund the northern executive.”
The Sinn Féin MP added that recent elections in the north had shown “people are increasingly demanding that the decisions about their lives and their futures be made at home on the island of Ireland”.
“A new and better future which uplifts families, values workers and invests in public services,” he said.
“The planning and preparation for this change must begin now.
“The Irish government should lead those preparations by immediately establishing a Citizens’ Assembly on Irish unity.
“In a Sinn Féin-led government, we would establish a Minister for Irish Unity, and make it a governmental objective.
“Let’s move forward together as we build a new Ireland, and a new Wales.
“United in common cause where economic justice and social equality are cornerstones of our nations.
“Together we can build a better future for all.”
