Leo: I still want a united Ireland
But consent key to Varadkar’s vision
LEO Varadkar has said he aspires to a united Ireland but only by consent and with cross-community support.
The Taoiseach said he followed the idea of former SDLP leader John Hume of an “agreed Ireland”.
But he said US President Donald Trump, unlike some of his predecessors who took an active interest in the peace process, would never be able to solve the North’s political impasse.
Mr Varadkar added: “In terms of a united Ireland, our constitution is clear. It aspires to there being a united Ireland. I share that aspiration.
“But only on the basis that it is done by consent, and when it does come about I would like to see it command a degree of cross-community support. And that’s the way I would envision it.
“I very much follow the school of thought of the great John Hume, who talked less about a united Ireland and more about an agreed Ireland and a set of relationships that we can all be happy with. That’s the way it should be.”
Mr Varadkar’s comments could anger some unionists.
In November, DUP leader Arlene Foster accused Foreign Minister Simon Coveney of “aggressive” behaviour after he spoke of his desire for an end to parti- tion. He told a parliamentary committee that he wanted to see the island unified in his political lifetime.
In a pre-christmas briefing with political correspondents, Mr Varadkar revealed Mr Trump’s book The Art Of The Deal is part of his political library.
He is due to travel to Washington in March to meet the US President – but won’t be asking him for advice in sorting out the political impasse in the North.
The Taoiseach said: “I have read the Art Of The Deal and the basic concept behind that is a good deal is when I win and you lose.
“So I don’t think that’s the kind of deal that is going to work in Northern Ireland.
“So while President Trump has many enormous talents and abilities, I don’t think bringing about peace in Northern Ireland would be his skill set. But certainly we are always open to assistance from the US.
“What I would like to talk to him about in March is the appointment of a US ambassador.
“We have an acting ambassador at the moment, a very good one.
“But obviously we would like to see a full-time ambassador in Ireland in the very near future.
“That’s one of the things that is certainly going to be on the agenda for March if it is not already resolved by then.”