A POLL carried out by LucidTalk for The Sunday Times has shown that the majority of people surveyed would be in favour of a referendum on a United Ireland in the next five years.

Out of the 2,392 people who took part in the survey, 51 per cent were in favour of such a referendum.

The poll also found that 48 per cent of voters in Northern Ireland think a United Ireland will become a reality within 10 years.

Sinn Féin Councillor Chris McCaffrey recently seconded a motion passed at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) in relation to Partition.

He feels that the latest polls should not come as a surprise as “demand for Irish unity is growing, and has certainly been accelerated since the 2016 EU referendum [Brexit]”.

He continued: “The evolution of a narrow-minded and inward-looking post-Brexit Britain has secured the end of the so-called Union, as this poll also confirms a majority of those in Scotland are seeking to leave the United Kingdom,” said Councillor McCaffrey.

“An unstoppable conversation about our island’s constitutional future has already begun, and will only continue to flourish in the time ahead. More and more, people can see that our interests are not served in Westminster.”

On the agenda

Councillor McCaffrey believes that Brexit has pushed the contradictions of Partition to the limit, and has put Irish unity firmly on the agenda as an economically responsible decision, and as a pathway to create to a better future for all the people of this island.

He said: “Recent comments from opponents of Irish unity will be met with derision and bemusement by the vast majority of people, who the Unionist leaders in the DUP purposefully chose to ignore in their feckless and selfish pursuit of Brexit.

“I would say to Unionists who feel failed or let down to take this opportunity to help shape the future of a new Ireland, and to look at where the British government and Unionist parties have left you.

“It is clear that a referendum on Irish unity is coming, and preparations for constitutional change must now begin in earnest by all relevant parties, including the 26-county government, and the British government.

“I firmly believe that a new Ireland will be, and can be, a better place for everyone on this island, with more economic prosperity and a higher standard of living. Now is the time to start planning for it,” he said.

However, the First Minister and DUP leader, Arlene Foster, said a unification referendum would be reckless and divisive, and focus should be on fighting Covid-19.

Viewed with some caution

Party colleague and FODC Councillor, Deborah Erskine, believes the poll should be viewed with some caution: “All polls should come with a health warning, and we have seen in the past that not all polls are accurate.

“It’s disappointing that at this time, politicians and others would use the situation we are in to focus on a path of constitutional division.

“This year, Northern Ireland has reached its centenary. This is a milestone, that I believe everyone can take time to reflect on.

“I do not shy away from any discussions around these [unification] matters; however, I believe the benefits of the Union still outweigh the alternative.

“For me, as I look ahead to the next 100 years and beyond, I believe Northern Ireland’s place is best served within the United Kingdom, with a functioning Assembly, jobs for our young people, a health service free at the point of delivery to all, and where our economy is supported by the fifth-largest economic power in the world.

“Many times, we have seen the benefits of being part of the Union – not least during the pandemic.”

The Alliance Party regards a united Ireland as a possible way of rejoining the EU, but its Fermanagh and South Tyrone representative, Matt Beaumont, does not believe the conditions for a Border poll currently exist, yet sees this as a “fluid situation”.

He said: “[The Alliance Party] recognises there are many ongoing debates around the future of Northern Ireland, including constitutional change.

“Alliance is not defined by the constitutional question, but rather, promoting integration and building reconciliation.

“I have my views, as do all Alliance members, and supporters have a range of views on the future.

‘Immediate priorities’

“While immediate priorities lie in tackling Covid-19 and addressing the direct fallout from Brexit, we are willing to engage in constructive discussions with an open mind and on a without-prejudice basis,” he added.

Another standout result from the poll was on the constitutional position of Northern Ireland if there was a Border poll.

In this matter, 47 per cent of people would vote to stay part of the UK, compared to 42 per cent who would vote for a United Ireland.