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Poll shows need to prepare now for United Ireland - Carthy

A Sinn Féin MEP has said that the results of the latest opinion poll in the North means preparations should commence for a united Ireland.

Matt Carthy was commenting on the findings of a Lucid Talk opinion poll in the North, which were published yesterday.

Matt Carthy said: “This detailed poll shows a clear majority of people in the North of Ireland in favour of a holding a referendum on a united Ireland.

“The majority of those in favour of unity most believe that such a referendum should be held within five years with an absolute majority wanting the poll within a decade.

“A majority also believe that 50% plus one should be the baseline for reunification, which is hardly surprising as this is the clear provision for under the Good Friday Agreement. It is disappointing that the recent remarks from An Taoiseach resulted in this question even having to be asked.

“The most interesting aspect of the poll, however, is the finding that a majority of voters under the age of 44, clearly support a united Ireland.

“This result shows the direction of travel for the future and underlines the need for preparation to start now for a united Ireland.

“It is also clear from the poll that Brexit will continue to influence studies toward the constitutional question and will led to increased support for Irish unity as the negative implications become clearer.

“The political landscape in the North is changing. Increasing numbers of citizens, accept the need to look at the creation of new constitutional and political structures that better serve the interests of all our people.

“There is clear and urgent need for an inclusive, constructive debate on the future and on what a United Ireland might look like.

“It is time now for the Irish Government to encourage and lead an informed, reasoned and respectful public dialogue on the issue of Irish unity.

“It is also time that the Government prepared a realistic plan for Irish reunification, including the the establishment of an Oireachtas all-party group to bring forward a Green Paper for Irish reunification.”