Fianna Fáil minister 'categorically' disagrees with British prime minister on unity poll
Irish Minister Niamh Smyth has publicly disagreed with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham's assertion that a united Ireland referendum is off the table. Smyth emphasized that the Irish government remains committed to the goal through the Shared Island initiative.
Why it matters
The disagreement underscores ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding the constitutional future of Northern Ireland and the interpretation of the Good Friday Agreement.
A FIANNA FÁIL minister said she “categorically and fundamentally” disagrees with comments from British prime minister Andy Burnham, after he stated that a united Ireland referendum is “off the table”.
Niamh Smyth, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, said a poll on a “reunited Ireland” is not off the table, and that the government will continue to work towards one.
During his visit to Belfast on Thursday, Burnham said he is “here to listen” but added that the “rifts” arising from referendums “take a long time to heal”, referring to Brexit and the Scottish independence referendum.
Under the terms of the 1998 Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland can decide to hold a border poll, and it also places a duty on the office holder to call one if it appears likely a majority would vote for Irish unification.
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