English / Gaeilge

Fáilte romhat chuig ‘Deich mBliana na Cinniúna – Gníomhú i dTreo na Poblachta’ – leathanach gréasáin Shinn Féin dírithe ar athaontú na hÉireann.

Is é Sinn Féin an páirtí a bhainfidh Éire Aontaithe amach. Is í príomhaidhm pholaitiúil an pháirtí aontacht a chinntiú.

In 1998 leag Comhaontú Aoine an Chéasta an comhthéacs amach ina mbeadh reifreann aontachta:

Deimhníonn an comhaontú gur faoi mhuintir na hÉireann amháin é ár dtodhchaí a leagan amach agus ár gceart féinchinntiúcháin a fheidhmiú ar ‘bhonn an toilithe, arna thabhairt dá ndeoin féin agus i gcomhthráth, Thuaidh agus Theas.’

Tá an mheicníocht daonlathach síochána seo, nach raibh ar fáil ag líne daoine romhainn, le hÉirinn athaontaithe a bhaint amach.

Tá an diochúrsa ar Éire Athaontaithe méadaithe le gairid óir na géarchéime Brexit agus athruithe toghchánach sóisialta agus déimeagrafach ó thuaidh.

Ní mór do chách bheith ar a suaimhneas in Éirinn nua aontaithe atá uainn, beag beann ar a fhéiniúlacht ina nGaeil nó ina nGaill, ina nGaeil-Ghaill nó ar nós Cuma liom féin. Tá an fhéiniúlacht Óraisteach agus Briotanach tábhachtach do dhream dár bpobal. Mar sin féin, tá sí tábhachtach dúinn.

Tá sé de dhualgas bunreachtúil ar Rialtas na hÉireann ullmhúchán a dhéanamh don Aontacht agus an reifreann dá réir.

Caithfidh Rialtas na hÉireann

Is féidir linn reifreann d’Éirinn Aontaithe a chinntiú agus é a bhuachan. Tá sé in am dáta ar mhaithe le reifreann a leagan síos agus ligint don phobal a gcuid a rá.

Is togra indéanta é Éire Athaontaithe a bhain amach anois.

Cuirtear fáilte roimh aiseolas. Má bhíonn aon tuairim/ aon mholadh/ aon togra faoi mhachnamh agat, ba bhreá linn sin a chloisteáil trí ríomhphist a chur go [email protected]

Resources on Irish Unity

Sinn Féin Policy

"Towards A United Ireland’, Sinn Féin, 2016, Sinn Féin - Towards A United Ireland

‘A United Ireland: Better for Enterprise’, Sinn Féin, 2018, Sinn Féin - A United Ireland - Better for Jobs, Enterprise and Research

‘A United Ireland: Better for Health’, Sinn Féin, 2018, Sinn Féin - A National Health Service for a United Ireland

‘Economic Benefits of a United Ireland’, Sinn Féin, 2020, Sinn Féin - Economic Benefits of a United Ireland

Articles

The labour movement can only support a united - Morning Star - Nick Wright, 2021

Debate on United Ireland poll can’t wait for unionists; Introducing an invented communal veto over the all-island preparatory workfor a referendum is a mistake - The Irish Times - Colin Harvey, 2021

Majority of British voters ‘feel little or no connection’ with Northern Ireland - The Irish News, 2021

Youth for unity - the road to a new Ireland - Derry Journal - Matthew O’Reilly Deehan, 2021

DUP blasts Jeremy Corbyn for claim NI centenary ‘is the right time to examine partition’ - Belfast News Letter - Niall Deeney, 2021

Historical determinism is holding Nationalism back and needs to be ditched - Slugger O'Toole - David McCann, 2021

Could Switzerland’s bottom up democracy provide a model for a widely agreeable united Ireland? - Slugger O'Toole – Mick Fealty, 2021

Majority of Northern Irish voters want vote on staying in UK - The Observer - Michael Savage and Lisa O'Carroll, 2021

Border poll is coming and unionists must prepare, warns ex-adviser - Belfast Telegraph - Ciaran Barnes, 2021

An Irishman’s Diary - The Irish Times - Paddy Murray, 2021

Were Keir Starmer’s comments on the future of Northern Ireland wrong? - Labour List - Matthew Shannon, 2021

Opinion - Hume would want careful preparation for Border poll - The Irish Times - Mary McAleese, 2021

The Mick Clifford Podcast: On Shifting Ground - Susan McKay - The Irish Examiner, 2021

Ex-DUP MLA: Arlene Foster has undermined the Union and NI is in a dangerous place – but a united Ireland could work - Belfast News Letter - Sam McBride, 2021

NORTHERN PROTESTANTS AT A CROSSROADS; The North has changed dramatically, and unionism, instead of celebrating the centenaryof the foundation of the Northern Irish state it used to dominate, is in crisis - The Irish Times - Susan McKay, 2021

Could the DUP’s mistakes lead to a united Ireland? - The Independent - John Rentoul, 2021

People to be consulted on Irish unity in Mid Ulster - Belfast Telegraph - Adam Morton, 2021

The United Kingdom was always a fragile illusion – but what will replace it? - The Guardian - Alex Niven, 2021

'The people are 20 years ahead of the politicians’ - Belfast Telegraph – Susan McKay, 2021

A united Ireland is the only way through Brexit’s blockages, bottlenecks and bureaucratic burdens - Morning Star, 2021

UK subvention is irrelevant to the debate on Irish unity; Economic debate on unity needs to move on to the policy decisions needed for growth - The Irish Times - John Doyle, 2021

UK's £10bn subvention 'no barrier' to Irish unity - Belfast Telegraph - Gareth Cross, 2021

Rules on referendum campaigns 'must be updated' ahead of any border poll - Belfast Telegraph - John Downing, 2021

Experts urge preparation and planning ahead of a border poll – The Irish News – John Manley, 2021

Sinn Fein now most popular party either side of border - The Independent - Jon Stone, 2021

Ulster Unionist Party will boycott any ‘citizens’ assembly’ on Irish unity, says leader-elect Doug Beattie - thetimes.co.uk – Liam McBurney, 2021

Time for a border poll in Ireland - The people of Ireland have the right to shape their own future, as agreed in the Good Friday Agreement - Morning Star – Ken Livingstone, 2021

Poots and Johnson are a dreary prospect - but Dublin holds more aces than you think- Irish Independent - John Downing, 2021

A change at the top won't alter the fact that DUP are still facing same problems - Belfast Telegraph - Alex Kane, 2021

Baptist minister calls for forum on united Ireland, Belfast Telegraph, James Ward, 2021

Neale Richmond: Events in Scotland could have a profound effect in Ireland - The Business Post, 2021

O’Neill and Eastwood back Antrim Gaels’ letter concerning an ‘agreed shared Ireland’ - The Irish News, 2021

Tory dominance is likely to hasten break-up of the union - The Irish Times - Peter Geoghegan, 2021

A united Ireland makes sense, but the fear of change runs deep - The Sunday Independent - Alan Kelly, 2021

No cause to remove principle of a simple majority in Border poll - The Sunday Independent - Mary Lou McDonald, 2021

How would the health service manage a ‘united Ireland’? - Irish Medical Times – Terrance Cosgrave, 2021

Looking forward, there is reason to think Northern Ireland is becoming comfortable in its own skin… - Slugger O'Toole – Andrew Clarke, 2021

What would be the economic costs and benefits of a United Ireland - The Irish Times - Eoin Burke-Kennedy, 2021

Eastwood launches party’s first New Ireland Commission panel – The Irish News, 2021

Many things unite us but it is hard to find a shared identity – Independent.ie - Paul Moran, 2021

Majority favour a united Ireland, but just 22pc would pay for it – Independent.ie - Fionnán Sheahan, 2021

DUP's dramatic coup may collapse house on the hill - Belfast Telegraph - Gareth Cross, 2021

Health and wealth the key issues in unification debate - Belfast Telegraph - Suzanne Breen, 2021

Public don't want to pay Irish unity costs - Belfast Telegraph - Adrian Rutherford, 2021

NI turns 100... but how many more happy returns will there be? - Belfast Telegraph - Jon Tonge, 2021

DUP can see the future, but cannot face it - The Irish Times - Pat Leahy, 2021

Brexit is a salutary tale on poorly explained votes – and affection for the NHS would become a key issue – Independent.ie - Fionnán Sheahan, 2021

Evolving attitudes on unity come into sharper focus - Irish Independent, 2021

Drop the tricolour and create a new flag to respect both sides – poll – Independent.ie - Fionnán Sheahan, 2021

‘A united Ireland will happen in the foreseeable future — but a shared island will be a different country’ – Indepndent.ie - Mary Kenny, 2021

A unionist vote for new leader that could spell the end of the Union - Irish Daily Mail - Leo McKinstry, 2021

Reunification will ask taxing questions of our republic - The Sunday Independent - Colm McCarthy, 2021

Pragmatism outweighs patriotism for most on the subject of a united Ireland - The Sunday Independent - Paul Moran, 2021

Life on the Border shows common ties bind across any invisible line - The Sunday Independent - Rodney Edwards, 2021

If Edwin Poots tried to crash the Assembly, it would open the door to a border poll – Slugger O’Toole - Brian Walker, 2021

67% in Republic favour united Ireland – poll – RTÉ – Paul Cunningham, 2021

Real debate on implications of Irish unity must be faced – Independent.ie – Editorial, 2021

The Times view on Britain’s governance: Fragile Union – The Times – Niall Carson, 2021

The North’s £9.4bn subvention and the cost of Irish unity - The Irish Times - Eoin Burke-Kennedy, 2021

Practicalities will trump identity and ideology in any referendum - Belfast Telegraph - Allison Morris, 2021

Can Northern Ireland secure a more prosperous future? – Laura Noonan – Financial Times, 2021

UK Supreme Court refuses to hear case aimed at setting out border poll criteria - Irish Independent - Kevin Doyle, 2021

Partition Showing Its Age – The Irish Echo – Ray O’Hanlon, 2021

How could a vote on the unification of Ireland play out? - The Guardian - Lisa O'Carroll, 2021

The five most challenging issues on the agenda for next leader – Belfast Telegraph – Gareth Cross, 2021

Power-sharing in doubt after Foster quits - The Times - Patrick Maguire, 2021

Northern Ireland centenary might just be the right time for a different type of unionism - The Independent - Chris Hudson and Graham Spencer, 2021

IF DUP GETS THIS WRONG, IT COULD BE DEATH KNELL FOR THE UNION - Daily Mail - LEO MCKINSTRY, 2021

Resignation is the denouement of a leader who could not lead in this changing political landscape - Belfast Telegraph - Andree Murphy, 2021

Letter: Wishing away the debate on Ireland’s future will not work - Belfast News Letter - Patricia MacBride, 2021

After Arlene’s leadership implosion what comes next for the DUP and Northern Ireland? - Slugger O'Toole – Mick Fealty, 2021

Lecture – Rory Montgomery: ‘The Good Friday Agreement and a United Ireland’ - Slugger O'Toole – Alan Meban, 2021

Foster’s resignation places the Partition of Ireland on even shakier ground – Independent – Patrick Cockburn, 2021

Susan O’Keeffe: United Kingdom or a united Ireland? Next DUP leader will have to face up to the debate - The Business Post - Susan O'Keeffe, 2021

As those in favour of Irish unity grow in numbers, the stars move closer to aligning – Irish Independent - Martina Devlin, 2021

No need to leave, Arlene, just make country a better place for moderates - Irish Independent - Gerard O'Regan, 2021

Demographics ensure that reunification is inevitable so we need to prepare - The Sunday Times - Cormac Lucey, 2021

Platform: Neale Richmond - Compromise and imagination key to unlocking a new Ireland - The Irish News, 2021

Unionists' priority must be to accept unity debate is real - Belfast Telegraph - Malachi O'Doherty, 2021

Ten Ways Irish Unity Could Benefit the Republic of Ireland… - Slugger O'Toole - Steve Bradley, 2021

Lewis accused of being ‘utterly disrespectful’ over border poll - The Irish News – John Manley, 2021

Major poll to reveal what unites and divides the island on centenary of Irish partition – The Independent, 2021

Politics: North would vote against united Ireland, but Republic overwhelmingly in favour – poll – Independent.ie - Eoghan Moloney, 2021

Opinion poll finds 49% in NI would vote to stay in UK - Belfast Telegraph - Suzanne Breen, 2021

Small majority of voters want to stay in UK - The Irish Times - Mark Hilliard, 2021

NI would vote in stay in UK if border poll was held, according to survey - The Irish Examiner - DAVID YOUNG, 2021

Irish News Boris Johnson says there will be no Northern Ireland border poll ‘for a very, very long time’ – Independent.ie - Allan Preston, 2021

Everything points to a Scottish ‘date with fate’ which will have major impact here - Independent.ie - John Downing, 2021

Poll shows majority think NI will leave UK within 25 years - The Daily Telegraph - Tony Diver, 2021

DISUNITED ISLAND Third of people in Republic expect united Ireland in next decade, new EMI survey reveals – The Irish Sun - Owen Conlon, 2021

More people in Northern Ireland want Irish sea border removed than retained, poll finds - Belfast News Letter - Sam McBride, 2021

Neale Richmond: No discussion can be off the table when it comes to a shared island - The Business Post, 2021

Northern Ireland will leave UK within 25 years, say majority of people on both sides of border - The Telegraph Online - Tony Diver, Political Correspondent, 2021

Majority believe NI will leave UK within 25 years – Irish Examiner- Nicole Glennon, 2021

Two-thirds back holding of border poll at some stage in future, survey finds - Belfast Telegraph - Gareth Cross, 2021

Opinion poll: Over a third in NI want a border poll within five years - Belfast News Letter - James Ward, 2021

Irish Examiner view: Attitudes to Irish unity are changing - The Irish Examiner, 2021

UK crumbling: Alarm bells for No10 as new poll indicates Northern Ireland could split away - express.co.uk - Steven Brown, 2021

Majority of the public in Northern Ireland believe it will have split from the UK within 25 years, poll finds - Mail Online - Jack Maidment, Deputy Political Editor, 2021

'We deserve better': voices of the Good Friday generation - Irish Independent - Amanda Ferguson, 2021

A paradigm shift is afoot and if Scotland secedes, what Union is there to fight for? - Irish Independent - Martina Devlin

'BE READY FOR BORDER POLL' - The Sunday Mirror - JAMES WARD, 2021

CITIZENS' ASSEMBLIES NEEDED 'TO PLAN FOR BORDER POLL IN NEXT DECADE' – Irish Examiner - James Ward, PA, 2021

Everything points to a Scottish 'date with fate' which will have major impact here - Irish Independent - John Downing, 2021

Respectful gestures go a long way to healing our divisions - Belfast Telegraph - Allison Morris, 2021

Unionists could remain British citizens for generations in united Ireland - thetimes.co.uk - Brian Mahon, 2021

FG’s Richmond says a Commonwealth return would represent an olive branch to unionists - The Business Post - Aiden Corkery, 2021

Majority of people here in favour of Scots vote - Belfast Telegraph - Conor Riordan, 2021

Johnson rules out Border poll for ‘very long time’; British PM says his government will try to ‘sandpaper’ the Northern Ireland Protocol - The Irish Times - Brian Hutton, 2021

Johnson does not expect border poll for ‘very, very long time’ - The Irish News -Claire Simpson, 2021

Opinion: Impetus builds for a referendum; Scottish independence - The Irish Times, 2021

'In my generation, the divide is not green and orange': the young people tackling prejudice - Irish Independent - Ellen Ryan, 2021

If we want a better place for all, it's time the silent in our 's time the silent in our society came forward and made their voice heard - Belfast Telegraph - Alex Kane, 2021

Time to settle the open questions of the Good Friday agreement - thetimes.co.uk - Gareth Brown, 2021

Politics class: Is the UK heading for break-up? - Financial Times (FT.Com), 2021

Johnson 'must change tactics' for future of UK - The Times - Mark McLaughlin, 2021

Paul Hosford: Grasping the nettle of a shared island concept Political apathy is no longer a valid stance, as violence on the streets of Belfast is everyone's responsibility on this island. - The Irish Examiner, 2021

Peace in Northern Ireland is in danger – Johnson’s lies and inaction offer no help - The Observer - Jonathan Powell, 2021

Brexit and now Covid management shows Johnson’s government is blind to the threat of UK disintegration: a new insider report - Slugger O'Toole - Brian Walker, 2021

The DUP’s attachment to tactics has got Northern Ireland in a strategic mess - Left Foot Forward – Peter McColl, 2021

Johnson's trade deal may be paving the way for a border poll – Independent - Mary Dejevsky, 2021

The tone and economics of Northern Ireland’s political debate has to change - Slugger O'Toole - David McCann, 2021

For the sake of future generations, we simply cannot go on like this… - Slugger O'Toole - Samuel Thompson, 2021

Unionism Playing Senior Hurling? - Slugger O'Toole, 2021

Unionists and loyal orders must avoid mistakes of the past - Belfast Telegraph - Alex Kane, 2021

My back-of-an-envelope plan for running a United Ireland - Meath Chronicle - GAVAN REILLY, 2021

SURVEY SAYS Quarter of TDs and Senators unwilling to change tricolour and national anthem to achieve United Ireland, survey shows – The Sun - Craig Farrell & Neil Cotter, 2021

Rallying behind old slogans will not help unionism now; Another climbdown is the probable outcome of latest coming together of unionists to oppose NI protocol - The Irish Times - Alex Kane, 2021

Platform: Michelle O’Neill- Now is time for secretary of state to signal intent to hold Irish unity referendum - The Irish News, 2021

McDonald marks Easter Sunday be reissuing call for Irish reunification: The Sinn Féin leader urged political leaders to 'show an ambition that matches the hope of a generation rising up' and prepare for Irish unity - The Irish Examiner – Aoife Moore, 2021

Will debates about the Irish flag obscure the dialogue around a united Ireland? - TheJournal.ie, 2021

UNITED COSTS TDs and Senators believe United Ireland is affordable but reckon we’ll take financial hit to achieve it, survey reveals – The Sun - Craig Farrell, Neil Cotter & Adam Higgins, 2021

Republic 'needs to understand NI better’ - Belfast Telegraph - Lauren Harte, 2021

Tricolour’s status as national flag could be ‘up for discussion’ - The Irish News, 2021

Citizens' Assembly on Irish unity priority for young FF politician - The Anglo-Celt, 2021

We cannot put off doing our homework on a border poll any longer - Colin Harvey, 2021

Which has a higher standard of living – Northern Ireland or the Republic? - Eoin Burke-Kennedy, 2021

On the centenary of Northern Ireland’s birth, let’s imagine a potential rebirth of Ireland - Rosemary Jenkinson, 2021

PLATFORM: Ray Bassett - The Irish News - Ray Bassett, 2021

Column: Irish reunification is an opportunity to reset the economy and confront the climate crisis - TheJournal.ie - Seán Fearon, 2021

Varadkar suggests ‘joint-sovereignty' for Northern Ireland for a period could be part of United Ireland negotiations - irishmirror.ie - Paul Moore, 2021

'This is a very welcome debate' - Viewers praise RTE's united Ireland discussion - irishmirror.ie - Paul Moore, 2021

Feargal Cochrane: Northern Ireland –Ironic or just unfortunate? - The Irish News – John Manley, 2021

Setting an early date for a border poll would be 'wrong' — Tánaiste - The Irish Examiner - Paul Hosford, 2021

Jim O’Callaghan: Dáil or Seanad could move to Belfast in a united Ireland - The Business Post – Aiden Corkery, 2021

Retention of PSNI and guaranteed cabinet posts for unionists among Fianna Fáil TD Jim O'Callaghan's united Ireland proposals - The Irish News, 2021

Gerry Adams launches 'Irish unity' Easter egg - The Irish News, 2021

All-Ireland parliament should be in Belfast: TD - Belfast Telegraph - John Breslin, 2021

Gerry Adams unveils Irish unity-themed Easter egg - The Guardian - Molly Blackall, 2021

Census 2021 warning as survey could lead to UK split: 'Referendum will happen!' - express.co.uk - Charlie Bradley, 2021

Open Newsroom: What could a shared island look like? - TheJournal.ie - Brian Whelan, 2021

Majority believe Scots leaving UK will spark border poll in NI - Belfast Telegraph - Lauren Harte, 2021

Scotland may pave way for NI border poll - Belfast Telegraph, 2021

Sam McBride: A failure of unionist diplomacy has left it more isolated than for decades - Sam McBride, 2021

The Northern Ireland Protocol could be the best way for unionists to save the Union, says leading businessman - Belfast News Letter - Sam McBride, 2021

Explainer: What is the Taoiseach's Shared Island Unit up to? - TheJournal.ie - Gráinne Ní Aodha, 2021

We cannot put off doing our homework on a border poll any longer - Colin Harvey, 2021

Claire Byrne Live show "primarily designed for a southern audience" - Trevor Birney, 2021

Date needed for a border poll as ‘very little planning would get done if the date was open-ended’ says Derry human rights expert Professor Colin Harvey - Kevin Mullan, 2021

If we want a united Ireland, we must start having the boring conversations now - Aoife Moore, 2021

Peace process offers lessons for those who seek united Ireland - Diarmaid Ferriter, 2021

Orange Order pulls out of cross-border project as anger over NI Protocol mounts - Allison Morris, 2021

Column: Irish reunification is an opportunity to reset the economy and confront the climate crisis - Seán Fearon, 2021

FactFind: How could a border poll happen? - Rónán Duffy, 2021

British ‘betrayal’ gives birth to a new generation of loyalist fighters - Martin Fletcher, 2021

The Sunday Times view on left-wing TDs: If candidates can’t work together, divided they will fall - The Sunday Times, 2021

Will the old tactics still work for Unionists in Northern Ireland? - Susan McKay, 2021

Is the United Kingdom on the brink of a break-up? - Julie Etchingham, 2021

Brexit: EU 'simply can’t trust' Britain as tensions rise over Northern Irish protocol - Damian Shepherd, 2021

In Northern Ireland, a ‘shift in enthusiasm’ for Irish unity - Ruairi Casey, 2021

Ben Lowry: Unionists have fully turned against the Irish Sea border because since January they have seen the scale of the disaster - Ben Lowry, 2021

Dual citizen: Ciarán McMenamin on growing up in a world divided by more than a Border - Ciarán McMenamin, 2021

We could all learn thing or two from clever and respectful young leaders - Fr Martin Magill, 2021

How cold is your house? - Ian Clarke, 2021

Why the Eurosceptics will fail in bid to scrap protocol - Sean O’Grady, 2021

Irish Examiner view: Time to be a school not a weak shoal - The Irish Examiner, 2021

North’s status under Belfast Agreement is an inconvenient truth - Monica McWilliams, 2021

Scottish independence could pave the way for a United Ireland, expert warns - Steven Brown, 2021

Ben Lowry: Amid Irish Sea border crisis, Peter Robinson has long experience of what is and is not politically feasible - Ben Lowry, 2021

Change is coming and Republic needs to talk to North about it - Denzil McDaniel, 2021

Sturgeon could spark England’s breakaway from rest of UK ‒ ex-Welsh First Minister claimed - Joel Day, 2021

Irish government must redouble diplomatic efforts with Northern unionism - Gareth Brown, 2021

Defensive and oppositional – the DUP is completely out of touch with Nothern Ireland’s ‘peace generation’ - Abby Wallace, 2021

Irish unity will take place within a generation – historian Max Hastings - Ronan McGreevy, 2021

When should the UK call a border poll in Ireland? Calls for clarity on this 'quite remarkable' question - Rónán Duffy, 2021

Unionists may find being bounced into Border poll is Boris's preferred option - Alex Kane, 2021

Is the tide turning on Irish reunification? - Ian Johnston, 2021

Writing is on the wall, it’s time for a Northern Ireland border poll - Irish Voice Editorial, 2021

Will Economics decide for Unionists ultimately a break with Britain merits serious consideration? - Trevor Lunn, 2021

British government 'must lay out its criteria for holding a border poll' - Claire Simpson, 2021

My generation deserves to have its say on Irish unity now - Emma de Souza, 2021

The bill for Boris Johnson’s Brexit is coming in and it’s punishingly steep - Andrew Rawnsley, 2021

Unleashing nationalism has made the future of the UK the central issue - George Osborne, 2021

Unionism Fighting a Border Poll… - Choyaa, 2021

Senior DUP MP Gavin Robinson warns unionism to prepare for border poll - John Manley, 2021

Referendum on Irish unity is coming down the tracks faster than most expected - Brendan O'Leary, 2021

A referendum on Irish unity is coming, whether we like it or not - Brendan O'Leary, 2021

Questions around Irish unity referendum to be examined in new initiative - Ronan McGreevy, 2021

Friends of Sinn Féin USA, 2021

First Dáil could be template for Scottish independence, says MP - Ronan McGreevy, 2021

Ian Dunt, 2021

Public Opinion and Irish Unity: Some Comparative Data - John Coakley, 2020

A border inside the UK brings Northern Ireland closer to the republic

Think32, 2021

UK heading towards ‘breakup’ says Financial Times

Mary Kenny, 2021

Think32, 2021

The Malign Incompetence of the British Ruling Class - Pankaj Mishra, 2019

Fresh calls for United Ireland referendum as Sinn Fein TD demands campaign be 'stepped up' – Harry Brent, 2020, Harry Brent

Doherty calls for campaign for Irish unity to be stepped up - Aine McMahon, 2020, Aine McMahon

Michelle O’Neill on Brexit and Irish unity: Politics Weekly podcast – The Guardian, 2020, The Guardian

Brexit will lead to united Ireland in 10 years, says Sinn Fein's O'Neill - Allan Preston, 2020, Allan Preston

Public consultation on format of any future Border poll begins – Freya McClements, 2020, Freya McClements

‘It is absolutely crazy to think that constitutional change in Ireland would happen overnight’ – Paul Gosling, 2020, Paul Gosling

‘The unity conversation needs to be open, transparent, and let’s keep open minds, because we need to flesh out what Irish unity would look like and what the UK union would look like’ – Paul Gosling, 2020, Paul Gosling

ESRI: Voters, North and South, must be fully informed ahead of any border poll – Eamon Quinn, 2020, Eamon Quinn

Local politicians react as Martin says no to ‘divisive’ Border poll – Rodney Edwards, 2020, Rodney Edwards

Ireland is on a journey; let’s talk about the destination – Denzil McDaniel, 2020, Denzil McDaniel

Irish Reunification is Still Inevitable – Kevin Meaghar, Irish Unification is Still Inevitable

Irish unification is becoming likelier – The Economist, 2020, Irish Unification is becoming likelier

‘Why the idea of a United Ireland is back in Play’, David McWilliams, Financial Times, 2018, David McWilliams

Irish politics needs to wake up to the consequences of a no-deal Brexit, Fiach Kelly, Irish Times Opinion Piece, 2019, Fiach Kelly

A progressive, united Ireland seems more likely than ever – thanks to the DUP, Séamas O’Reilly Guardian, Opinion Piece, 2019, Séamas O'Reilly

A united Ireland now looks like an increasing possibility, Cealainn Hogan, New Statesman article, 2019, Cealainn Hogan

Taoiseach says he is not in favour of ‘divisive’ poll on Northern Ireland border - Aine McMahon, 2020, Aine McMahon

'Young voters aren't green or orange' - Jim O'Callaghan's warning to Fianna Fáil – Philip Ryan, 2020, Philip Ryan

The time has come for unionists to decide what kind of United Ireland they can accept – Shane Greer, The Telegraph Comment, 2020, Shane Greer

McDonald says new Government should start preparing for United Ireland referendum – Press Association, 2020, Press Association

Ulster’s Brexit Identity Crisis – Maurice Fitzmaurice, Daily Mirror (NI edition) 2020, Maurice Fitzmaurice

Johnson's risky approach to virus raises new questions about Irish unity - John Downing, 2020, John Downing

How coronavirus is spurring the cause of a united Ireland, Una Mullally, The Guardian Opinion, 2020, Una Mullally

Coronavirus crisis has brought Irish unity closer, says Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald, Christopher Leebody, Belfast Telegraph, 2020, Christopher Leebody

Mary Lou McDonald: Covid-19 more likely to unite us than Brexit, Justine McCarthy, The Sunday Times, 2020, Justine McCarthy

UUP 'will not engage with single direction talks' on united Ireland, Allison Morris, 2020, Allison Morris

Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the united island, Tommy Gorman, 2020, Tommy Gorman

Documents

Ireland's Future discussion document, Advancing the Conversation - The Way Forward

The 2020 Fianna Fail/Fine Gael Framework Document on government formation, FF/FG Framework Document May 2020

‘Modelling Irish Unification’, Dr Kurt Hubner, 2015, KLC University of British Colombia, Modelling Irish Unification

'A New Union a New Society: Ireland 2050’, Paul Gosling, 2018, A New Union

‘The Economic Effects of an All Island Economy’, Paul Gosling, 2018, All Island Economy

‘Economic Case for Irish Unity’, Michael Burke, 2015, The Economic Case For Irish Unity

‘Brexit and the Future of Ireland – Uniting Ireland & Its People in Peace & Prosperity’, Joint Oireachtas Committee Report, 2017, Brexit and the Future of Ireland - Uniting Ireland & Its People in Peace & Prosperity

‘The Future of Our Shared Island: The Logistical and Legal Questions Surrounding Referendums on Irish Unity’, Colin Harvey, Mark Basset, Brexit Law NI, QUB, 2019, Logistical & Legal Question - Irish Unity

‘Unionist Concerns & Fears of a United Ireland: The Need to Protect the Peace Process & Build a Vision for a Shared Island & a United People’, Senator Mark Daly, 2019, Oireachtas,  Process & Build a Vision for a Shared Island & a United People

The Good Friday Agreement, 1998, Good Friday Agreement

Political Party Documents

‘Northern Ireland (Policies), Fianna Fáil, Fianna Fáil

‘Progressive Nationalism, SDLP, SDLP

Kieran Allen speech on Irish Unity, People Before Profit, 27/06/17, People Before Profit

Brexit & Irish Unity, Aontú, Aontú

Recent Polls

2021

In the north 47% wanted to remain in the UK, 42% wanted a united Ireland and 11% were undecided Irish Times, 2021

There should be a unity referendum in the next 5 years: 50.7%. There should not be a referendum in the next 5 years: 44.4%. Don't know: 4.9% - Sunday Times/Lucid Talk Jan 18th, 2021

2020

46.8% to remain in UK / 45.4% for a United Ireland / 7.8% Don’t know - The Detail/Lucid Talk, 2020 LucidTalk/The Detail, 2020

80% of people in the south support Irish unity - The Sunday Times / Panelbase, 2020 Sunday Times, Panelbase 2020

57% of people in the south want a referendum on Irish unity in the next five years - IPSOS-MRBI exit poll, 2020 Irish Times, More-than-half-of-voters-want-border-polls-north-and-south

Journal.ie ge2020-border-poll

75% of young people want a referendum on Irish unity in the next five years! - IPSOS-MRBI exit poll, 2020

2019

THE MAJORITY OF Irish people believe a referendum on Irish unity should be held in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Responding to a poll for Claire Byrne Live/Amárach Research, 44% of people said they felt that a referendum on a united Ireland should be held.

https://amarach.com/news-blog-articles/a-united-ireland.html

77% of people in the south support Irish unity - RTÉ/TG4/RED-C exit poll, 2019 Red C Research

51% of people in the north support Irish unity - Ashcroft poll, 2019 Ashcroft Polls

British Identity

Sinn Féin has a vision of a new and united Ireland, firmly rooted in the republican values of equality, fraternity and liberty. We want an inclusive Ireland in which the diversity of identities on our island is embraced, protected and celebrated. This must include those who cherish and celebrate their British identity.

Concerns have been raised about the protection of non-Irish identities in a new and united Ireland.

All proponents of Irish unity must listen to these concerns. Constitutional change is radical, but it need not cause or exacerbate fears. Unionists fears must be heard and addressed in this debate.

No one’s identity should ever be challenged by constitutional change. Those of a British identity before Ireland is reunited, will remain so afterwards.

A new and united Ireland must be a place for all, a united Ireland that is home if you are Irish, British, both or neither. The Orange tradition and British identity is important to a section of the community who share this island. It is therefore important to us all.

The Good Friday Agreement not only provides a peaceful and democratic pathway to Irish unity, it also provides a model regarding rights and parity of esteem for identity, regardless of national allegiance, for all those living in a new and united Ireland.

Sinn Féin acknowledges the real need for all those who wish to see a united Ireland to engage with our unionist neighbours. We must listen to and engage with their hopes and fears regarding unity. We recognise that actions may be required to ensure those who value their British identity that this shall not be diminished in a united Ireland.

As such, Sinn Féin is committed to;

  • An all-Ireland Bill of Rights
  • Bespoke and comprehensive arrangements around flags, symbols and emblems
  • The safeguarding of British citizenship and all associated rights
  • The continuation of safeguards contained within the Good Friday Agreement post unity
  • Measures to tackle sectarianism across society
  • Maintaining and developing bodies designed to strengthen the relationships between the islands, such as the British-Irish Council, the British-Irish Parliamentary Association, and the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.

Historical Republican Documents

Significant Interventions on the subject of Irish Unity

2020

2020
Person/Entity Responsible Info Title/Nature of Intervention Date Link Note
Seamus McGuinness Research Professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI)

‘It is absolutely crazy to think that constitutional change in Ireland would happen overnight’

Slugger O’Toole

10.8.20 Seamus McGuinness “Just thinking strategically… there are clear opportunities for cross-border co-operation in a number of areas that are just so obvious and mutually beneficial that should be pursued. The obvious case is health services. Another is around infrastructural planning, but another is economic development…. You can only imagine that the North would be a net beneficiary of that joint approach.”
Ian Marshall Former member of Seanad Éireann and President of Ulster Farmers' Union

‘The unity conversation needs to be open, transparent, and let’s keep open minds, because we need to flesh out what Irish unity would look like and what the UK union would look like’

Slugger O’Toole

3.8.20 Ian Marshall “So for me, the unity conversation needs to be open, transparent, and let’s keep open minds, because we need to flush out what the Irish unity situation would look like, what the maintenance of the UK union would look like, how the island would function. How would it affect education, healthcare, society, how would businesses function, would we ultimately be richer or poorer? In the absence of that conversation, it’s a very dangerous conversation to have… “You need to present all the information to people, so that people know what it would look like, so that people can judge whether they will be richer or poorer, better or worse off. And then, and only then at that point, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask those people to take a vote on that.”
Mary Lou McDonald TD Úachtaran Shinn Fén

The need for an all-island approach to combating Covid-19 is basic common sense

Newsletter

12.05.20 Mary Lou McDonald: Newsletter

“Irish unity is a perfectly legitimate aspiration. The Good Friday Agreement, designed to give parity of esteem to both the British and Irish identities and to our political aspirations, clearly states as much.

There is no faux outrage when unionists talk about valuing their British identity or their hopes of maintaining the union with Britain. Nor should there be. It is every bit as legitimate as my desire for Irish unity.”

Una Mullally Columnist for the Irish Times and Repeal the 8th activist

How coronavirus is spurring the cause of a united Ireland

The Guardian

2.5.20 Una Mullally

“Unexpected events often act as a catalyst for finding new pathways towards a goal. Nobody could have conceived that the case for a united Ireland would dovetail with the now urgent practicalities of a united approach to a public health crisis.

But the big ideas we have about society often don’t pan out how we anticipate. Eradicating the border’s segmentation of two jurisdictions has been a peacetime issue, a Brexit issue and is now a public health issue.”

Oran Doyle Professor in law at Trinity College

Constitutional Dimensions of Irish Unification

The International Association of Constitutional Law

20.02.20 Oran Doyle

In this post, I explore the issue from the perspective of Irish law to identify what unification processes would be legally effective in Ireland.

I suggest that a referendum to amend or replace the Irish Constitution is the most plausible process. I then explore how such a referendum could be integrated with processes in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom in a way that does not reproduce the Brexit model of leaving fundamentally important choices to be made after the referendum.

As the concept of Irish unity continues to go mainstream, , Kevin Meaghe explores the state of the debate

Kevin Meagher Writer, commentator and author of ‘A United Ireland: Why unification is inevitable and how it will come about’ Irish Unification is still Inevitable 17.05.20 Kevin Meagher

“But what has fundamentally changed in recent years is that the argument for Irish unity has developed into an evidence-based proposition.

There are clear benefits to governing Ireland as a single state — from economics to epidemiology — while Brexit has provided a powerful fillip, widening the constituency of people, who, if not wishing to see it on principle, can certainly accommodate themselves to the reality of it.”

2019

2019
Person/Entity Responsible Info Title/Nature of Intervention Date Link Note
Mary McAleese Former President

Brexit offers chance to improve Irish unity debate - McAleese

Speech at DCU seminar on the Withdrawal Agreement, reported by The Irish Times

29.03.19 Mary McAleese

“I am one of them, who believe that the truest and best potential of this entire island and all its people will only be realised when Northern Ireland and Ireland merge, and emerge as a modern, European democracy, inclusive of all, respectful of all,”

“Long before any future referendum goes live, we need to do what Brexit has abjectly failed to do. That is to delve deeply, objectively, consciously, in a considered way, into all the issues, whatever they are, the 5,000, the 10,000 issues, that would be raised by the ending of partition and the creation of a new reconciled Ireland.”

“From economics to esoterics, we need an army of scholars and lawyers and of intellectuals, and of people of good will, and we need a reservoir of credible good will to approach these issues in a respectful way, before they overwhelm us, as those very issues have overwhelmed and stymied Brexit.”

Eileen Paisley Baroness, wife of late Ian Paisley

A United Ireland would be ‘acceptable’, says Ian Paisley’s widow

Interview, BBC’s Sunday Sequence (and follow up The Irish World piece)

26.05.19 Eileen Paisley
Eileen Paisley 2

On whether she could live in a United Ireland: “It would depend, I suppose, on what, on how it was being ruled. I wouldn’t like a dictatorship and I wouldn’t like a person, because of whatever their religion was, to be persecuted because of that.”

She added that once there was “freedom of worship and freedom of choice in life”, she would be comfortable living in a United Ireland.

“If you go right back to the beginning, the dividing of Ireland, I think the Irish people all over – north, south, east and west – I think they are a great people.”

“And especially when you are away from home and you meet another person, no matter what part of Ireland they come from, by their different accents, you would say that man is from the south…but they are a fellow countryman of yours or woman.”

“I just wonder why it had to be divided at that time and I think perhaps that was a wrong division.”

Adrian Dunbar Actor

Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar predicts Brexit will lead to a United Ireland as he shares views on abortion rights and great telly

Interview, The Irish Sun

28.06.19 Adrian Dunbar

“A lot of what we do, everything of what we do, there is not a border anymore.

“You don't feel like there's a border anymore and we have lived for many years now with that feeling and that feeling is great for all of us.

So to go back to that would be a really backward step, and nobody wants that. I think there'll be a bit of civil unrest if there is ­border infrastructure.

“So most decisions, or all decisions, are England-centric. So a decision will be made on what's best for England and then the regions, as they call them, will ­follow.

“It's only six counties of Ireland now and one of these days it'll be 32 and that'll be the end of it.”

James Nesbitt Actor

James Nesbitt wants 'new union of Ireland' as he reveals project to give voice to 'silent majority

Interview, Irish News

08.07.19 James Nesbitt

James Nesbitt says he is open to the idea of a "new union of Ireland".

Nesbitt said he now describes himself as "an Irishman, from the north of Ireland who in no way refutes nor shies away from my Protestant culture".

Nesbitt said a border poll "is going to happen at some point" and there is a need to commission independent research on the changes this will make.

In a New Union of Ireland he claims Unionists need reassurance that “they have an equal voice and that they are part of a society that is progressive, inclusive and diverse. They have prosperity, that they're not marginalised, and that they can be proud to be from the north of Ireland in a new union of Ireland.

I think a lot more people are coming round to the idea of just even considering themselves Irish. It just feels that there's been a silent majority here for far too long that actually needs a voice."

Jarlath Burns GAA

Jarlath Burns has said the GAA should not stay neutral is there is a border poll

Interview, Irish News

04.03.19 Jarlath Burns

“The GAA states that the association is a national organisation, which has as its basic aim the strengthening of the national identity in a 32 county Ireland through the presentation and promotion of Gaelic Games.

“That doesn't make us neutral on the issue of a border poll, it gives us a position on a border poll and a position that I as a GAA member in a border county would like to think that from a logical, as well as an ideological, perspective that the GAA would have a strong position on."

Joe Brolly GAA

Joe Brolly urges GAA chiefs to 'back unity poll'

Interview, Irish News

11.03.19 Joe Brolly

Northern society has become “intolerable” for people who identify as Irish.

NI has now become a “diseased, dysfunctional society” and he is urging the GAA to formally support a border poll.

The GAA was founded on the basis of politics. It was to create a sense of identity. A 32-county community.

“…GAA’s endorsement and support for a unity poll... is entirely legitimate, peaceable and reflective of our membership's views.”

Brian McAvoy GAA

Ulster GAA boss: Learn from Brexit and plan for Irish unity in any border poll

Interview, Irish News

12.03.19 Brian McAvoy

The GAA has "always been neutral" on Ireland's referendums,

On a border poll: "I think this one's slightly different given our ethos."

And one thing that Brexit has taught us, if you vote or have a vote for change, and that vote succeeds, it's in everyone's interests to have an idea of what it's going to look like on the other side

And we're paying the price because Brexit was never thought through – and we have been in chaos ever since.

I would like to know what would be on the other side, and I think a border poll would have a much greater chance of success if we knew exactly what was happening on the other side.

And when that time comes, and there is a border poll, the GAA will make its position very very clear.

Peter Maguire Medical Doctor

Leading Northern Ireland doctor quits 'toxic' NHS to work in Republic

Interview, Irish News

12.01.19 Peter Maguire

A consultant anaesthetist who left the NHS in the north to work in Monaghan over what he saw as an erosion of Irish identity and Brexit uncertainty.

“Healthcare in Ireland is a two-way street. This is really important and must continue.”

“A hard Brexit would mean controls would go up between the north and the Republic. That removal of free movement would be a complete affront to Irish nationalism. It also reduces our Europeanism and it is something we didn’t vote for.”

Paul Bew Academic

Leading historian says case must be made for NI to stay in UK

Interview, Irish Times

19.06.19 Paul Bew

A new, modern case for the union must be developed, based on the principle of consent.

The new British prime minister must make the case for the United Kingdom with a positive vision to counter the nationalist narrative, a prominent historian has suggested.

Lord Paul Bew, who teaches Irish history and politics at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), said Theresa May’s successor must make the case for the union consistently and also highlight what he described as the “intellectual weakness” of the case for a united Ireland.

Mervyn Gibson Orange Order

Orange Order chief 'will accept united Ireland' if majority votes for it

Interview, Belfast Telegraph

10.07.19 Mervyn Gibson

If Unity secured via a border poll, he would accept the democratic result and was not “going to go to war over it”

Proud to be from “Northern Ireland” but felt he had an all-Ireland dimension

Commended Leo Varadkar for outreach work

Fiach Kelly Deputy Political Editor, Irish Times

Irish politics needs to wake up to the consequences of a no-deal Brexit

Irish Times, Opinion Piece

29.06.19 Fiach Kelly

Nationalists in Northern Ireland will not forget Varadkar’s December 2017 promise that they would never again be left behind by a Dublin government.

Earlier this year senior figures in Government privately suggested that conversations about the relationship between North and South would need to start once Brexit was settled.

Sometime next year we will have a general election here. If it happens against the chaos of no deal, and even if it does not, the constitutional settlement across the island is likely to feature in the election debate.

Others in Leinster House, and not just in Sinn Féin, speak of a white paper on a united Ireland – backed by the full machinery of the civil service – within the lifetime of the next government as agreed policy between all parties in the Dáil, with a unity referendum within a decade.

None of this will be seriously discussed before a potential no-deal Brexit for fear of agitating unionism. But it is these questions, and not just the economic costs of a disorderly Brexit, that could dominate the years ahead.

RTÉ/TG4/Red C Exit Poll Conducted during Local and European elections 24.05.19 RTÉ - TG4 - RED C

According to the exit poll, 65% of voters said they would be in favour of a united Ireland if a referendum was held tomorrow, while 19% said they wouldn’t be.

Once you factor out those who either said they did not know or refused to vote, the number of voters in favour of the proposal rises to 77%, and the number of those against rises to 23%.

Alex Kane Political commentator and former director of communications for the Ulster Unionist Party Alex Kane: Unionists need to be ready for eventuality of Border poll 31.05.19 Alex Kane

“At some point the very existence of Northern Ireland and “Ulster” unionism will be determined by a border poll. Unionism needs to be ready for that eventuality.

It needs to be prepared for and able to answer the most fundamental constitutional question of all: is continuing membership of the United Kingdom preferable to a new beginning in a united Ireland?”

Harold Good Methodist Minister, oversaw decommissioning

Methodist minister Harold Good urges Protestants to join actor James Nesbitt in looking at future of NI through a new lens

Opinion piece, Eamon Mallie (mallie.com)

08.06.19 Harold Good

Responding to James Nesbitt piece

Only when we can share such a conversation as a people who have confidence in ourselves and our own positions and traditions, as well as an understanding of each others, can we begin to explore political options without prejudice, fear or pre-conception. This is a big ‘ask’ but not beyond us, and as Nesbitt reminds us particularly important as we approach the anniversaries of 1920 and 1921.

The alternative is to drift on, ignoring the realities which inevitably will determine our future.

Let us move beyond the flawed assumption that to discuss that which is difficult and initially contrary to my personal and familial history is an unthinkable betrayal of my tradition!

Bobby McDonagh Former Irish Ambassador to Britain

Parity of esteem for Britishness essential in any united Ireland

Irish Times, Opinion Piece

16.06.19 Bobby McDonagh

We must have the courage to recognise that, if one day there is to be a united Ireland, the most basic requirement will be that it not only tolerates the British identity of unionists but that it also embraces that identity in friendship and respect.

We must have the courage to recognise that, if one day there is to be a united Ireland, the most basic requirement will be that it not only tolerates the British identity of unionists but that it also embraces that identity in friendship and respect.

Séamas O’Reilly Author

A progressive, united Ireland seems more likely than ever – thanks to the DUP

Guardian, Opinion Piece

11.07.19 Séamas O'Reilly

It remains to be seen if Foster and her pals will end up living in a pro-choice, gay-friendly united Ireland – a Sodom and Begorrah, lifted directly from their most fervid nightmares, one that they would have accidentally helped create.

Cealainn Hogan Journalist

A united Ireland now looks like an increasing possibility

New Statesman article

11.02.19 Cealainn Hogan

According to recent polls, 86 per cent of people surveyed in the Republic preferred a united Ireland to a hard border and 62 per cent of people in Northern Ireland believe that Brexit makes a united Ireland more likely. Reunification would mean Northern Ireland automatically remains in the EU.

The Good Friday Agreement recognised the constitutional will of the Irish nation to “unite all the people who share the territory of the island of Ireland, in all the diversity of their identities and traditions,” and that “a united Ireland shall be brought about only by peaceful means”, through consent “democratically expressed, in both jurisdictions in the island.”

A united Ireland was always “the solution that dare not speak its name.”

Tara Mills Journalist

Would some Unionists back a United Ireland?

BBC News in the north

01.08.19 Tara Mills

Short pieces from;

Jim Dornan - "We were brought up to believe that Great Britain was our only future, but now it seems maybe people in Britain don't feel that way as much any more."

Tim McKane (business) – "It (Brexit) made me feel that perhaps we're dispensable. In fact I discussed it with my family and thought, 'I don't know what flag I stand under any more? What does it even mean to be British now?'"

Roberta Gray (loyalist) – "Do people in the south even want us?"

Alison Blaney (community voluntary) – “…a border poll is very dangerous. Let's get over Brexit before we jump from the frying pan and into the fire."

Sam McBride (Newsletter) - "The fact that even some unionists are starting to think about this is significant, but I think it has been quite oversold in some quarters.”

Sean Bell Reporter

Analysis: How likely is an Irish border poll?

Commonspace article

31.07.19 Sean Bell

“In a perfect world, the five year timescale would allow the relevant parties sufficient time to inarguably demonstrate the existence of majority support for such a vote.

In the world we unfortunately live in, the person weighing this evidence will be the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Julian Smith, along with the prime minister he answers to, and it is unclear what precisely what would be necessary to convince them that the GFA threshold had been met. Opinion polls? Election results? Demonstrations on the streets?

Considering that the Tory government relies on the DUP, they would also need to be persuaded – and given that some of their ranks have not yet been convinced by climate change and evolution, that’s a big ask.

But if democracy is denied to the people of Northern Ireland, as it was so infamously to Catalonia, that position will no longer remain tenable for either party.”

Jonathan Gorvett Journalist

Will Brexit be the end of the United Kingdom?

Foreign Policy, Argument Piece

29.07.19 Jonathan Gorvett

Putting all these factors together, it is perhaps not surprising that the debate on Irish unity has recently gained momentum.

“Being removed from the EU against the will of the majority here in Northern Ireland has created a whole new dynamic,” Harvey said. “The Good Friday Agreement also allows for a future referendum”—on Irish unity—“and we need to start preparing for this now.”

An April survey showed that around 62 percent of voters in the south would vote to unite with the north. A March poll in Northern Ireland showed only 32 percent in favour, with 45 percent against. Yet the poll also showed some 23 percent undecided.

Finn McRedmond Writer

Support for a United Ireland is surging – and for the first time, it’s backed by moderates

The New Statesman, Opinion piece

02.08.19 Finn McRedmond

A new case for Irish unity has been ignited by Brexit, one grounded in economic logic, shorn of unpalatable historic reference, and championed by moderate Irish politicians.

The call for a united Ireland, then, is no longer the sole domain of Sinn Féin. It is still a distant reality – unionists still outnumber nationalists in the north. But, when that case is made by Varadkar and Coveney, moderates who don’t come from a republican tradition are more likely to listen. The prospect of a united Ireland is granted mainstream legitimacy.

2018

2018
Person/Entity Responsible Info Title/Nature of Intervention Date Link Note
Peter Robinson Former leader of the DUP

North should prepare for united Ireland possibility - ex-DUP leader

Speech at Magill Summer School

23.07.18 Peter Robinson

People should prepare for that possibility [United Ireland] and accept the result.

As soon as that decision is taken, every democrat will have to accept that decision.

Robinson explained that Unionists must prepare for a border poll:

I don't expect my own house to burn down but I still insure it

David McWilliams Economist

Why the idea of a United Ireland is back in play

Opinion Piece, Financial Times

30.11.18 David McWilliams

One of the most striking developments of the past three decades is how much richer the Republic of Ireland has become compared with the whole of the UK in general and Northern Ireland in particular. Commercially the union has been a calamity for Northern Ireland. Everyone has suffered financially, Catholic and Protestant, nationalist and unionist alike. Although rarely appreciated in the din of local politics and recrimination, as an economic experiment, Partition has been a disaster.

Prosperity, not Protestantism, will save the Union. Right now the biggest threat to this is the DUP and their Brexiter allies.

**Other McWilliams Pieces**

The contrast between the economic performances of the North and South is shocking. If we go back to 1920, 80% of the industrial output of the entire island of Ireland came from the three counties centred on Belfast. This was where all Irish industry was. It was industrial and innovative; northern entrepreneurs and inventors were at the forefront of industrial innovation. By 1911, Belfast was the biggest city in Ireland, with a population of close to 400,000, which was growing rapidly. It was by far the richest part of the island.

The Republic’s economy is now four times that of the North, even though the labour force is not even two-and-a-half times bigger.

In terms of income per head, the Republic is now almost twice as rich per person as the North. The average income per head in the Republic is €39,873, while it languishes at €23,700 up North.

Jamie Dornan Actor

Jamie Dornan 'just feels Irish - we are separate from the UK'

Interview with Eamon Mallie, reported by the Belfast Telegraph

05.02.18 Jamie Dornan

"I just feel Irish,

"A lot of that's down to so many different reasons, mostly geography, that we are an island separate from the UK, so how could you, why would you feel more connected to that other piece of land than you do to the piece of land that you are living on?”

He claimed he is kept awake at night by the impact Brexit will have on the north and says that all options should be on the table.

Jim Dornan Professor

Jamie Dornan's father Professor Jim says he'd vote for united Ireland if 'good deal' for unionists

Interview, Belfast Telegraph

18.05.18 Jim Dornan

“It is not so much that I am thinking the unthinkable. I think everything is on the table at the moment.”

On whether he thought a border poll would see a victory for Irish unity, he said: “Against the Union as we have at the moment. There is a lot of people nowadays, not just me, who are saying ‘you know what, if somebody offers me a better deal and somebody offers me a good deal, then I would go for it’.