Irish government should step up preparations for unity poll - Jackson

A Northern Ireland-wide tracker poll suggested a majority in the North want a referendum on a united Ireland within five years.

The poll was carried out by Belfast based polling and market research company LucidTalk over a three day period earlier this month. The views and opinions expressed in the poll were part of a wider UK polling survey for the Sunday Times, on topics such as constitutional change and Brexit.

Waterside Councillor Christopher Jackson said: “There is an unstoppable, vibrant and flourishing conversation underway on the constitutional future of our island. It is an inclusive conversation which involves nationalists, unionists and those who consider themselves to be neither,” he added.

“The Irish Government cannot be bystanders in this conversation, they must step up to the mark and lead in the conversation.”

In October 2020, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD announced the establishment of a ‘shared island unit,’ with the aim of ‘strengthening social, economic and political links on the island.’

Urging the Irish government to start planning, the Sinn Féin councillor said: “The time to plan is now and the Irish Government must immediately begin preparations for reunification by taking the practical steps of convening a citizens’ convention inclusive of the entire island and by bringing forward a green paper on Irish unity.”

During the week, DUP Leader and First Minister Arlene Foster described a border poll as ‘absolutely reckless.’

Colr. Jackson however said that: “A referendum is coming and support for unity is growing - that is clear. Together, we can overcome the barriers and division of partition and build a new, inclusive and united Ireland.”