Mary Lou McDonald had beforehand stated unification was inside “touching distance” after the return of power-sharing authorities to Northern Ireland, led by her Sinn Fein colleague Michelle O’Neill. But she acknowledges there may be “an awful lot of work to be done”.
By Tim Baker, Political reporter
A referendum on unifying the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland will occur throughout the subsequent six years, in keeping with the president of Sinn Fein.
Mary Lou McDonald was talking to Sky News following the restoration of the Northern Ireland govt, the place her get together – a nationalist group – is now the biggest caucus in Belfast for the primary time because the Good Friday Agreement got here into impact.
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She stated: “What I firmly believe is – in this decade – we will have those referendums, and it’s my job and the job of people like me who believe in reunification to convince, to win hearts and minds and to convince people of that opportunity – part of which, by the way, will be really consolidating our relationship with Britain as our next door neighbour and good friend.”
Asked if she meant earlier than 2030, Ms McDonald stated “yes”.
Under the phrases of the Good Friday Agreement, there’s a pathway for a reunification ballot to be held in Northern Ireland.
The laws states that “if at any time it appears likely” {that a} “majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland”, then the Northern Ireland secretary will order a vote.
How the bulk could be demonstrated is much less clear.
According to the Institute For Government, there is no such thing as a parallel mechanism within the Good Friday Agreement for a referendum within the Republic of Ireland, the place Ms McDonald is a politician.
But it units out that at the least two referendums would have to be held – one on the precept of reunification, after which one to amend the structure if Northern Ireland agrees to affix the Republic of Ireland following negotiations.
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Asked about her earlier feedback that unity is inside touching distance, the Sinn Fein president stated she was speaking in “historic terms”.
“I don’t mean that it’s happening next week or next month,” she added.
Speaking about her prediction for the following six years, Ms McDonald stated: “Yes and let me say that’s not so far-off – so there’s an terrible lot of labor that must be accomplished.
“I’ve stated constantly to the federal government in Dublin that they actually need to take possession of this dialog that is now underneath means proper throughout Ireland.
“They need to give it a structure and a place and of course it has to be inclusive – we want to hear from every voice, including those for whom reunification would not be their first option – those who go out and campaign for the union.”
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But Ms McDonald added: “Nevertheless, all of us stay collectively, that is by no means going to alter. We share Ireland.
“We love Ireland, and we wish what’s greatest for our youngsters, for our grandchildren. I believe that is the strongest, strongest frequent floor that all of us share.”