Taoiseach talks of a poll on Irish unity

IRISH Taoiseach Enda Kenny has opened the door to a future referendum on Irish unity.

Speaking at Glenties in Country Donegal, Mr Kenny urged the European Union to prepare for the prospect of Northern Ireland seeking to join with the Republic.

The Fine Gael leader said a future border poll is now a “possibility” in light of the decision by Britain to leave the EU.

He said: “The discussion and negotiations that take place over the next period should take into account the possibility, however far out it might be, that the clause in the Good Friday Agreement might be triggered and that if there is a clear evidence of a majority of people wishing to leave the United Kingdom and join the Republic that that should be catered for in the discussions.”

His remarks come as Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams dismissed the UK Government’s insistence that Brexit will not prompt a vote on Irish unity, claiming the EU referendum has left the island facing an “entirely new dispensation”.

Mr Adams reiterated the need to examine “new relationships on the island” after newly appointed Northern Ireland Secretary of State James Brokenshire used his first engagement in Belfast to stress that the referendum result in the region – 56 per cent backing Remain – did not provide adequate reason to call a reunification vote.

“They ruled out lots of things in the past which are now a reality,” said Mr Adams in response.