Senator: Long-term plan needed for United Ireland

By Michael McHugh, PA

Long-term planning and preparation is required for a united Ireland, an Irish senator has said.

Mark Daly said the Brexit crisis showed the unforeseen consequences of holding a referendum without proper preliminary steps.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has previously warned that now is not the time to prepare for a referendum on a united Ireland.

Local lawyer Ciaran O'Hare who represents victims' and Brexit campaigner Raymond McCord is backing the call.

Mr. O'Hare says clarity is needed and the calling of a border poll should not be at the whim  of the Secretary of State...

Mark Daly says, "The major lesson for Ireland from the Brexit crisis is the unforeseen consequences of holding a referendum without proper planning.

"A united Ireland requires long-term planning and preparation with all sides."

He analysed court documents from victims' campaigner Raymond McCord's recent legal challenge surrounding Brexit.

Mr Daly said: "As it stands, a referendum on a united Ireland could potentially be decided by the Secretary of State before a single vote is cast.

"The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland cannot say the majority are or are not in favour of a united Ireland until it is decided who will be allowed to vote in a referendum."

He said there was an urgent need for more policy and greater clarity.

Mr Varadkar has said the time is not right to begin official planning for a referendum on Irish unity.

A recent poll revealed more than two-thirds of voters in Northern Ireland believe Brexit will make a United Ireland more likely within the next 10 years.

Senator Daly said: "My response to the Taoiseach is that policy neglect seldom goes unpunished and we are well aware that Northern Ireland has a tragic history of denying people the right to vote. The future referendum on a united Ireland cannot be another chapter in that story."