A united Ireland should be an “objective” and not just an “aspiration” for whoever is in charge after the next general election in the Republic of Ireland, Leo Varadkar has said.
The former taoiseach (Irish PM) was speaking to students in Londonderry as part of the Social Democratic and Labour Party's (SDLP) New Ireland Commission, which was established by its outgoing leader Colum Eastwood.
Varadkar stressed the views he expressed at the event in Derry's Playhouse on Thursday were his own and not that of his Fine Gael party. He believed a united Ireland is likely in the coming decades, but said it was by no means certain.
Earlier this week, the Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald accused the British Government of “dodging” a timeline on Irish unification. She reconfirmed her party's commitment to have a border poll called in the next six years.
At a separate event earlier this week, Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said the restoration of the Stormont institutions created “a moment of opportunity” that needed to be seized upon.
Northern Ireland minister and Labour politician Fleur Anderson, who is under secretary of state to Hilary Benn, added she did not believe a border poll was imminent. Ms Anderson said a border poll is “not a priority” for the Labour Party.
Varadkar told the event on Thursday that he believed Brexit and the possibility of being able to re-join the European Union had caused some people to support Irish unification that would maybe not have before. However, he said a border poll being called at this stage would potentially be high-risk.
Varadkar said research indicates support in the south is large but shallow and that support in Northern Ireland is not assured, even among people from a nationalist background. For Irish unification to be a success, he said, there was a need to make sure that people of a British identity are wanted and feel wanted. He believed the Irish government should not seek to simply “accommodate” them in a new Ireland, but should seek to build a common new home for everyone who calls the island home.
Colum Eastwood thanked the young people who attended from four schools in the north west for their thoughts and ideas. Mr Eastwood said that he wanted to build a case for a new Ireland with a reconciled people.
During a press conference after the event, Leo Varadkar said he understood why unionists may not even want to enter the Irish unity conversation. He said he would not want to be part of a conversation around the Republic of Ireland becoming part of the United Kingdom.
Building a Bridge to Irish Unity: Varadkar's Proposal
Varadkar has proposed a two-stage referendum process for a potential future vote on the reunification of Ireland. He suggested an initial vote where people on both sides of the border would decide whether they agree “in principle” with constitutional change, and then a final “confirmatory” ballot once the structures and constitution of the new political entity were designed and presented to the public.
The former Fine Gael leader also urged all parties contesting the forthcoming general election in the Republic of Ireland to make unification an “objective” rather than just an aspiration. He would like to see all parties dedicate a section of their manifestos to the issue.
He emphasized the importance of co-designing a new Ireland, with a focus on ensuring that those with a British identity feel included and welcome. Varadkar even suggested that the Irish parliament could sit at Stormont in Belfast for parts of the year in the event of unification.
A Two-Stage Referendum: A Controversial Approach
While Varadkar acknowledged that his two-stage referendum proposal could be controversial, he believes it merits serious consideration. He pointed to the fact that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer advocated for a similar approach in relation to Brexit, suggesting that it is not an entirely unreasonable idea.
He also pointed out that the Good Friday Agreement does not currently envisage a two-stage process as he has suggested.
The Role of Unionists and Loyalists in the Conversation
Varadkar recognized that many unionists and loyalists are reluctant to engage in discussions about Irish unification. He acknowledged that he would take a similar stance if asked to consider the Republic of Ireland re-joining the UK. However, he believes that a yes vote in the initial “in principle” ballot might persuade sceptics to participate in the process of designing the new state.
Building a Common Home: Accommodation vs. Co-Design
Varadkar stressed the need to move beyond simply “accommodating” people with a British identity in a new Ireland. He believes it is essential to “co-design” the new Ireland with them, ensuring that it becomes their home as well. He argued that “accommodation” implies a temporary or secondary status, whereas co-designing signifies a shared ownership of the future.
The Strength of the Case for Unification
Varadkar emphasized the evolving landscape of Irish politics, where the case for unification has become significantly stronger than in the past. He pointed to the opportunity for Northern Ireland to re-join the EU through unification as a key pull factor. He also highlighted the advantages of the Republic of Ireland in terms of its economy, health service, childcare support, and welfare system, compared to Northern Ireland.
A New Era: A Unified Ireland
Varadkar remains optimistic about the possibility of a united Ireland in the coming decades. While recognizing the uncertainty, he emphasizes the importance of preparation. He warned that a no vote in any referendums could set the issue back significantly.
He underscored the need to engage in a meaningful and inclusive conversation about the future of Ireland, one that welcomes diverse perspectives and strives to build a shared future for all who call the island home.
