Mary Lou McDonald reiterates demand for Border poll ‘in this decade’

Sinn Féin leader aims to advance the goal of Irish unity while in opposition

Mary Lou McDonald: 'Irish unity referendums must happen in this decade'. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
Mary Lou McDonald: 'Irish unity referendums must happen in this decade'. Photograph: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin

The Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has insisted that referendums on Irish unity “must happen in this decade” and called on the Irish and British governments to “play a leading role in fostering a mature and positive conversation about the future”.

Ms McDonald used her new year message to restate familiar themes – standing up for “ordinary people” and advancing the goal of Irish unity – as her party faces the prospect of another five years in opposition after the recent general election.

Talks between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael negotiating teams are due to recommence next Monday, according to a person involved in the process, but the parties will exchange further policy papers on Thursday and Friday.

It is expected there will be a change of pace in the talks once they restart with both sides keen to make progress on agreeing a programme for government and a deal with a number of independent TDs – though once concluded, any agreement would have to be ratified by both parties through membership votes.

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Sinn Féin and other opposition parties will be spectators as the focus moves to government formation in advance of the next meeting of the Dáil on January 22nd. But Ms McDonald promised to “hold the incoming government to account with purpose, energy and passion”.

In her statement, Ms McDonald said the “momentum continues to grow for the ending of partition and the reunification of our country” and added that the “incoming government must prioritise planning and preparations for constitutional change”.

“Irish unity referendums must happen in this decade,” she said. “The people, North and South, must have their say. It is the responsibility of both governments, in Dublin and London, to play a leading role in fostering a mature and positive conversation about the future.”

However, there is little enthusiasm for Border polls in either the Dublin or London governments, nor any sign that the requirement in the Belfast Agreement for a unity vote – that it would likely be passed in Northern Ireland – being fulfilled. Successive British governments have refused to say what is the exact criteria for calling a Border poll beyond the requirement in the agreement that it seems likely to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland that a unity vote would be passed.

Ms McDonald also signalled that she intends to push the next government on the Israel-Palestine issue, and especially on the Occupied Territories Bill, something on which there is growing unease in both Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil.

“The incoming government must lead the international community holding Israel to account through sanctions,” Ms McDonald said. “This means passing the Occupied Territories Bill once the Dáil reconvenes. There can be no more delay, no more excuses, only decisive action.”

Pat Leahy

Pat Leahy

Pat Leahy is Political Editor of The Irish Times