Senator Conor Murphy, Sinn Féin's leader in the Seanad, discussed proposals to reform Northern Ireland's political institutions during a session with academics from Queen's University Belfast, Oxford University and University College London at the Good Friday Agreement Committee.

The discussion focused on plans published by Sinn Féin earlier this month to strengthen the Executive and Assembly while preserving safeguards in the Good Friday Agreement.

Murphy said the agreement ended conflict in Ireland through power-sharing, inclusivity, minority protections and all-island bodies, but noted aspects of the political architecture had left the institutions vulnerable.

He argued that reform alone cannot tackle underfunding or Westminster's austerity agenda, and that Irish unity would be the ultimate driver of political change across the island.

Murphy welcomed the introduction of legislation by Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald to compel government action on unity, and noted Fine Gael's commitment to develop a reunification blueprint.

He described the academic discussion as a useful step in advancing potential reforms to improve delivery for people in the north.