Latest news with #IrishUnity
The Independent
20-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Deputy FM accuses Leo Varadkar of reinventing himself after Irish unity comments
Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister has accused former taoiseach Leo Varadkar of 'reinventing himself' over comments he made about Irish unity. Emma Little-Pengelly took a swipe at the former Fine Gael leader after he said that Irish unity would become 'centre stage' if Reform leader Nigel Farage was elected UK prime minister. Mr Varadkar said if Mr Farage became prime minister, it would 'change the pictures in terms of attitudes towards independence in Scotland', and change the views of some people in the middle ground in Northern Ireland. Mr Varadkar said he believes planning for a united Ireland should be happening, but that a date should not be fixed as the numbers to win a vote are not in place. He added: 'I don't think a united Ireland is inevitable, I think it's something that we have to work towards. 'But I think there are a lot of factors that would suggest that we're on that trajectory. 'Demographic factors, polling, even the most recent numbers showing that a very clear majority of younger people in Northern Ireland want there to be a new united Ireland.' However, speaking in Armagh at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) on Friday, Ms Little-Pengelly said that Mr Varadkar is 'entitled to reinvent himself in whatever way that he so chooses'. 'But he is wrong in terms of the trajectory, I think, when you look at people in Northern Ireland voting for nationalist parties, that hasn't moved since 1998, still in and around the 40%, that hasn't increased,' she said. 'And while there's more complexity in terms of the voting beyond that, everyone else is either voting for a proactively Unionist party or parties who explicitly say that they do not want to be focused or agitate for constitutional change. 'There hasn't been any significant shift in that. There's nothing, in my view, to say that the trajectory is such that this inevitability. I don't accept that it is an inevitability, but for my part, I do believe that the focus should be on around uniting the people of Northern Ireland together. 'That very much a focus on reconciliation, but a focus on actually serving their needs. 'While others are preoccupied by these big constitutional debates, for me, it should be about getting on and actually delivering the education system our people want. 'The tackling those big health waiting lists, tackling those big issues that face us here in Northern Ireland, because that's what's impacting on people's lives, day in and day out.' Taosieach Micheal Martin said his focus is on the 'reconciliation' between all traditions on the island, as well as the United Kingdom and Ireland's relationship. 'I'm very much focused on the hard ground, building relationships. I think what we're doing today is part of that agenda,' he said. 'I'm not going to anticipate what's going to happen in the British election in two or three years time. 'I've often said to Leo, don't always be obsessed with the opinion polls, because they give a different result. 'My own experience bears that out. Point is, I don't know what is going to happen in the British election.' He added: 'Our agenda has to be to try and use the this moment to advance issues of common interest and to get things done. 'We have witnessed a significant change in the relationship between the United Kingdom government and the Irish Government on a number of fronts.' Tanaiste Simon Harris said that every taoiseach aspires to see 'our country united'. He added: 'But we do have a huge amount of work to do, and I share the Taoiseach's view in relation to that body of work. 'At the moment, I think relations between the British and Irish governments are at the best they have been in a very long time. 'We have good and honourable interlocutors in London working with, I hope, what they find to be good and honourable interlocutors in Dublin and in Belfast. 'So whilst I certainly don't think Leo's comments are wrong, I think that's where the focus of the Irish Government is at in the here and now.' Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the 'prudent' thing to do is to plan for what is 'potentially' happening in years to come. She said it is possible to 'chew gum and walk at the same time'. 'I think we can have good relationships, build good relationships. That's always going to be a good thing,' the Sinn Fein MLA said. 'I think we can cooperate on our own mutual interest that we're talking about today here at the North South Ministerial Council. 'Equally, I think we have to plan for constitutional change and set out the argument so people can make mature, rational decisions about what world they see themselves. 'We all have a stake in the future, so let's now plan for it.'
BreakingNews.ie
20-06-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Leo Varadkar accused of reinventing himself after Irish unity comments
Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister has accused former taoiseach Leo Varadkar of 'reinventing himself' over comments he made about Irish unity. Emma Little-Pengelly took a swipe at the former Fine Gael leader after he said that Irish unity would become 'centre stage' if Reform leader Nigel Farage was elected UK prime minister. Advertisement Mr Varadkar said if Mr Farage became UK prime minister, it would 'change the pictures in terms of attitudes towards independence in Scotland', and change the views of some people in the middle ground in Northern Ireland. Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar in conversation with Rev Karen Sethuraman at St Mary's University College, Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) Mr Varadkar said he believes planning for a united Ireland should be happening, but that a date should not be fixed as the numbers to win a vote are not in place. He added: 'I don't think a united Ireland is inevitable, I think it's something that we have to work towards. 'But I think there are a lot of factors that would suggest that we're on that trajectory. Advertisement 'Demographic factors, polling, even the most recent numbers showing that a very clear majority of younger people in Northern Ireland want there to be a new united Ireland.' However, speaking in Armagh at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) on Friday, Ms Little-Pengelly said that Mr Varadkar is 'entitled to reinvent himself in whatever way that he so chooses'. 'But he is wrong in terms of the trajectory, I think, when you look at people in Northern Ireland voting for nationalist parties, that hasn't moved since 1998, still in and around the 40%, that hasn't increased,' she said. 'And while there's more complexity in terms of the voting beyond that, everyone else is either voting for a proactively Unionist party or parties who explicitly say that they do not want to be focused or agitate for constitutional change. Advertisement 'There hasn't been any significant shift in that. There's nothing, in my view, to say that the trajectory is such that this inevitability. I don't accept that it is an inevitability, but for my part, I do believe that the focus should be on around uniting the people of Northern Ireland together. 'That very much a focus on reconciliation, but a focus on actually serving their needs. 'While others are preoccupied by these big constitutional debates, for me, it should be about getting on and actually delivering the education system our people want. 'The tackling those big health waiting lists, tackling those big issues that face us here in Northern Ireland, because that's what's impacting on people's lives, day in and day out.' Advertisement Taosieach Micheál Martin said his focus is on the 'reconciliation' between all traditions on the island, as well as the United Kingdom and Ireland's relationship. 'I'm very much focused on the hard ground, building relationships. I think what we're doing today is part of that agenda,' he said. 'I'm not going to anticipate what's going to happen in the British election in two or three years time. 'I've often said to Leo, don't always be obsessed with the opinion polls, because they give a different result. Advertisement 'My own experience bears that out. Point is, I don't know what is going to happen in the British election.' Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the 'prudent' thing to do is to plan for what is 'potentially' happening in years to come (Liam McBurney/PA) He added: 'Our agenda has to be to try and use the this moment to advance issues of common interest and to get things done. 'We have witnessed a significant change in the relationship between the United Kingdom government and the Irish Government on a number of fronts.' Tánaiste Simon Harris said that every taoiseach aspires to see 'our country united'. He added: 'But we do have a huge amount of work to do, and I share the Taoiseach's view in relation to that body of work. 'At the moment, I think relations between the British and Irish governments are at the best they have been in a very long time. 'We have good and honourable interlocutors in London working with, I hope, what they find to be good and honourable interlocutors in Dublin and in Belfast. 'So whilst I certainly don't think Leo's comments are wrong, I think that's where the focus of the Irish Government is at in the here and now.' Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the 'prudent' thing to do is to plan for what is 'potentially' happening in years to come. She said it is possible to 'chew gum and walk at the same time'. 'I think we can have good relationships, build good relationships. That's always going to be a good thing,' the Sinn Fein MLA said. 'I think we can cooperate on our own mutual interest that we're talking about today here at the North South Ministerial Council. 'Equally, I think we have to plan for constitutional change and set out the argument so people can make mature, rational decisions about what world they see themselves. 'We all have a stake in the future, so let's now plan for it.'
The Independent
19-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Nigel Farage as British PM would put Irish unity ‘centre stage'
Former Irish premier Leo Varadkar said that Irish unity would become 'centre stage' if Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was elected UK prime minister. Mr Varadkar, who stood down as taoiseach in April last year, said it is possible Mr Farage will be prime minister in four years or nine years time. He described British politics as 'very volatile'. Reform made big gains in local elections in England and Wales in May. Mr Varadkar told BBC Northern Ireland's The View programme, which will be aired on Thursday night, that he hoped Mr Farage is not the next British prime minister. The former Fine Gael leader said if the Reform leader became prime minister, it would 'change the pictures in terms of attitudes towards independence in Scotland'. 'I think it would change the views of some people in the middle ground in Northern Ireland (towards Irish unity),' he said. 'It isn't just because a right-wing nationalist government in London would want to bring the UK and Northern Ireland away from Europe. It is other things as well.' He also claimed that councils run by Reform in England were preventing people from flying Pride or progress flags. Mr Varadkar added: 'I don't think most people in Northern Ireland would like that. 'If that's the kind of government they had in London versus a government in Dublin that was very different, it might make them more likely to vote yes to unification,' he added. 'I do want to be very clear about this, it's not something I hope happens. 'I hope it doesn't happen.' Mr Varadkar said he believes planning for a united Ireland should be happening, but that a date should not be fixed as the numbers to win are not in place. He added: 'I don't think a united Ireland is inevitable, I think it's something that we have to work towards. 'But I think there are a lot of factors that would suggest that we're on that trajectory. 'Demographic factors, polling, even the most recent numbers showing that a very clear majority of younger people in Northern Ireland want there to be a new united Ireland.' 'I think that will carry true, and that's why I think it's something that we should plan for.' He said Irish unity will not happen 'by osmosis or by accident'. 'I think (it) has to be worked towards. I think those of us who believe in it have a duty to make the case for it,' he added. 'Look at the trajectory, and that is clear. We see it in elections. We see it in opinion polls. We see it in demographics.'
BreakingNews.ie
19-06-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Nigel Farage as British PM would put Irish unity ‘centre stage'
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that Irish unity would become 'centre stage' if Reform UK leader Nigel Farage was elected UK prime minister. Mr Varadkar, who stood down as Taoiseach in April last year, said it is possible Mr Farage will be prime minister in four years or nine years time. Advertisement He described British politics as 'very volatile'. Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that planning for a united Ireland should be under way. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA. Reform made big gains in local elections in England and Wales in May. Mr Varadkar told BBC Northern Ireland's The View programme, which will be aired on Thursday night, that he hoped Mr Farage is not the next British prime minister. The former Fine Gael leader said if the Reform leader became prime minister, it would 'change the pictures in terms of attitudes towards independence in Scotland'. Advertisement 'I think it would change the views of some people in the middle ground in Northern Ireland (towards Irish unity),' he said. 'It isn't just because a right-wing nationalist government in London would want to bring the UK and Northern Ireland away from Europe. It is other things as well.' He also claimed that councils run by Reform in England were preventing people from flying Pride or progress flags. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage speaks during a press conference at Church House in Westminster, London. Photo: Jeff Moore/PA. Mr Varadkar added: 'I don't think most people in Northern Ireland would like that. Advertisement 'If that's the kind of government they had in London versus a government in Dublin that was very different, it might make them more likely to vote yes to unification,' he added. 'I do want to be very clear about this, it's not something I hope happens. 'I hope it doesn't happen.' Mr Varadkar said he believes planning for a united Ireland should be happening, but that a date should not be fixed as the numbers to win are not in place. Advertisement He added: 'I don't think a united Ireland is inevitable, I think it's something that we have to work towards. 'But I think there are a lot of factors that would suggest that we're on that trajectory. 'Demographic factors, polling, even the most recent numbers showing that a very clear majority of younger people in Northern Ireland want there to be a new united Ireland.' 'I think that will carry true, and that's why I think it's something that we should plan for.' Advertisement Ireland Kallas criticised over 'clear lack of understandin... Read More He said Irish unity will not happen 'by osmosis or by accident'. 'I think (it) has to be worked towards. I think those of us who believe in it have a duty to make the case for it,' he added. 'Look at the trajectory, and that is clear. We see it in elections. We see it in opinion polls. We see it in demographics.'
BBC News
03-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Michelle Gildernew 'disappointed' at losing Sinn Féin job
The former Sinn Féin MP Michelle Gildernew has spoken of her "disappointment" at having her employment contract ended by the party last Gildernew, who was an elected representative for Fermanagh and South Tyrone at both Stormont and Westminster for more than two decades, said she was "ready to do something different".Speaking to BBC News NI she said she had "no complaints" about how the party handled her exit and that she remains a member."It was a proper meeting, all above board, it was handled very professionally... but yeah I was disappointed," she said. "None of us are owed anything, the party and the cause of Irish freedom and unity is bigger than any one individual."I'm still an activist and a member of Sinn Féin, I will always be an advocate for Irish unity."She said she was "very lucky" to have other opportunities to now look year, Gildernew stepped down from her role as an MP to run in the European Parliament, but she failed to win a seat. Relationship with O'Neill 'okay' At the time, Sinn Féin's deputy leader Michelle O'Neill said there would "absolutely have to be a role for Michelle going forward".Gildernew said she had not spoken to O'Neill since she had been informed her contract was being ended by Sinn Féin, but described her relationship with the first minister as "okay".In her last paid role for Sinn Féin Gildernew was part of the team conducting the internal governance review ordered in the aftermath of last year's safeguarding scandals on either side of the 55 year old said she had never seen herself as a politician, and said she had "served" the Sinn Féin leadership well."Nobody's journey in life always goes smoothly, I have to look at opportunities now and it'll give me the chance to do something different," added Gildernew."I have had the privilege of working with some extraordinary people north and south."The party has to get bigger and encourage more people to vote for Sinn Féin, we will never see the transition to Irish unity without a Sinn Féin government."I still want to see the achievement of the thing I've been working towards my entire life."Gildernew added that she had "probably" given up further aspirations of being an elected representative again, but said she did not "at this stage" see herself quitting membership of the party as she remained a committed republican.
