Time for British Secretary of State to set definitive criteria for unity referendum – Kearney
1 May 2025
Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney MLA has called on the British and Irish governments to commence a structured dialogue on planning and preparing for Irish reunification.
This follows on from recent comments by the British Secretary of State Hilary Benn who claimed ‘nothing has changed’ regarding the criteria which will trigger a border poll.
Declan Kearney said:
“Successive British governments have refused to spell out the criteria for the unity referendums.
“The reality is that the gap between those who seek unity and those who want to maintain the union is narrowing. According to academics who organise the ARINS project, if the gap continues to close at the rate of the last three years, the pro-union majority will be gone by 2027.
“In addition to this, recent remarks by former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar correctly identified the attitudinal shifts taking place particularly in the north, where the unionist parties are now a political minority in the assembly, at Westminster and at local government.
“Consequently, the imperative of planning for change is overwhelming.
“Our shared future on this island lies in Irish unity and an integrated economic model, with full membership of the European Union. That is another reason why preparations for the unity referendums are so important.
“The conversation on a new Ireland is thriving across society. The Irish government must support these conversations by putting in place forums to facilitate engagement on all key policy areas. A Citizens’ Assembly or similar forums are sensible and practical measures.
“It is time to start harnessing the massive opportunities which will arise from Irish unity and to begin planning systematically for that outcome.
“It is now time for the British Secretary of State to set definitive criteria for the calling of a unity referendum and to commence a structured dialogue with the Irish government about preparing a transition for Irish reunification.”
