Taoiseach, Sinn Féin clash in Irish unity debate

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has suggested Sinn Féin may set back the cause of Irish unity by aligning itself with Scottish and Welsh pro-independence parties.

Mr Martin questioned whether Sinn Féin was on the right strategic track after the party yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with the SNP and Plaid Cymru to put pressure on the UK government to call unity referendums in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

However, shortly after Mr Martin's comments, Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O'Neill said the Taoiseach "would need to catch up with the debate".

While Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy said the Taoiseach's "attempts to shut down any discussions on Irish unity" were "getting farcical".

Along with Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, the leaders of SNP and Plaid Cymru yesterday called on the British government to "prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change".