A new survey finds that the majority of people in Ireland are in favor of Irish unification
Seventy-seven percent of Irish people between the ages of 18 and 24 years old have said that they are in favor of a United Ireland, according to a recent survey commissioned by LottoLand.
Read More: It has to be a united Ireland poll or nothing after Brexit fiasco
The Belfast Telegraph reports on the survey, commissioned by LottoLand and conducted by Empathy Research, which was surveyed a sample of over 1,000 people chosen from all age groups, social classes, and regions online.
The question on the survey was framed in terms of unity in the aftermath of Brexit.
The results of the survey showed that 62 percent favor a united Ireland, 28 percent are against it, and 10 percent saying they would not vote in such a referendum.
Each province in Ireland overall said they were in favor of a United Ireland; 70 percent of both Connacht and Ulster said they were in favor.
Graham Ross, Lottoland’s Irish Country Manager, told the Irish Mirror: “With the DUP playing such a prominent role in the Brexit impasse, we thought it was high time that someone gauged the mood music around this age-old thorny subject.”
Read More: One third of British people believe Brexit makes a United Ireland likely
Sinn Fein’s Vice President Michelle O’Neill said on Sunday: “People who were previously apathetic about a United Ireland are re-engaged, and people who would have been opposed to a United Ireland are now reconsidering their position.”
“There is no doubt that Brexit has been a catalyst for mainstreaming the debate now underway, where people of all shades of opinion are considering the benefits of remaining within the United Kingdom against the merits of staying within the European Union through a unified Ireland.”
“What Brexit means – Deal or No Deal - is that a United Ireland is no longer a long-term aim.”
Read More: Irish politician bets on a United Ireland within 5 years
However, DUP MEP Diane Dodds said: "The people of Northern Ireland want a functioning Assembly and Executive rather than a divisive border poll.”
"While most people want decisions made about their GPs, mental health services, schools and hospitals, Sinn Fein is focused on a united Ireland.”
"They are out of touch with the priorities which matter to people," she added.
"Northern Ireland's future is best placed in the Union. Just look at our free NHS. Who would want to leave a health system which is free at the point of need? That's even before you consider the economic, defense, diplomatic, social, historical and cultural reasons for being part of the United Kingdom."
Read More: No trade deals with Britain if Irish border returns says Speaker Pelosi
Calls for a confirmatory Brexit referendum
In a joint letter that appeared in The Guardian, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern called for a second “confirmatory” referendum.
They wrote: "Following the Good Friday Agreement, there were two referendums.”
"The referendum in Northern Ireland, on the Agreement, based on facts, not promises, clarity not ambiguity, received a 71% yes result. The related referendum in the Republic of Ireland achieved a 94% yes.”
"There is now time for a confirmatory referendum given the EU has expanded the Brexit deadline to 31 October.”
"It is this that must be pursued, and May should take the lead in that process.”
Do you think a United Ireland will happen as a result of Brexit? Let us know in the comments
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