United Ireland by 2016: not as long as Sinn Féin are still around

A referendum on a united Ireland could be held before 2016, Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has claimed. The fading international spotlight on Northern Ireland and the current economic climate could create the right environment to go to a vote, the Sinn Fein MLA told supporters last night.

At a public briefing, An Ireland of Equals — the Peace Process and Beyond, held in the House of Commons, Mr Murphy added that reunification was not a spectator sport. “We were accused of setting 2016 as the date for the hundred-year anniversary. It may take longer,” he said.

“I actually think it could happen sooner than that in reality if we keep the momentum going when the economic realities and the political realities hit."

Belfast Telegraph

If a referendum really is on the cards in less than a decades time then I can only hope that Fianna Fáil get up north quick and get working. Irish unity makes good sense but it needs a political backer that doesn't also represent unrealistic social policies and, above all, doesnt violently repulse protestants - who will need to vote in favour of a united Ireland if it is ever to happen.

I have no faith at all in Sinn Féin ever bringing about a united Ireland. They have no strategy whatsoever on how to win around the majority of the population up north nor any clear view of a future Ireland that I would be willing to sign up to.

Hopefully FF's economic record and history of antagonism to SF down south will give them enough respectability to appeal across the old divides. Lord knows we need someone who will.