Taoiseach in call for united Ireland
IRISH premier Leo Varadkar will today call for Northern Ireland to become part of the Republic of Ireland.
The Taoiseach is set to say he aspires to a united Ireland by consent and with cross-community support.
But his comments are likely to spark fury among unionists in Belfast.
The Irish Premier is expected to say he will follow the idea of ex-SDLP leader John Hume of an “agreed Ireland”.
Varadkar said: “In terms of a united Ireland, our constitution is clear on this. Our constitution 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.
“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.”
The Taoiseach’s comments are likely to further strain his already difficult relationship with Northern Irish unionists.
In November, DUP leader Arlene Foster criticised Irish foreign affairs minister Simon Coveney for speaking of his desire for a united Ireland.
She said: “Why did Simon talk about his aspiration for a united Ireland in his political lifetime? I think that’s quite aggressive.”