Leo Varadkar, a former Taoiseach of Ireland, appealed to Irish America to help in the project of Irish Unity while speaking at a gala in Philadelphia on Thursday night, April 10.
The gala was hosted by Ireland's Future, which campaigns for a united Ireland, at the Union League of Philadelphia.
“I firmly believe that building a new and united Ireland is the next step in our national journey, and I believe that Irish America can help us to make those next steps," Varadkar told the event of about 500 people on Thursday.
“While there is not yet a majority for it north of the border, support grows with every year and unification now is supported by a clear majority of younger voters.
"The tectonic plates are shifting and in one direction only.”
Varadkar, however, did acknowledge that Irish unity is "not inevitable" and that a case needs to be made and worked towards.
Describing the building of a united Ireland as “the political project of our generation," he added: “It belongs to no one person, no one party, no one community, and no one government.
“It belongs to all of us who believe in it. As is always the case, the impetus for great change must come from the grassroots.”
Varadkar said that Ireland “has been part of the story of America, and America has been part of the story of Ireland."
In Ireland, Varadakar served in Cabinet for 13 years, is one of the former leaders of Fine Gael, and served as Taoiseach twice. In a surprise move, he announced his resignation as Taoiseach in March 2024, just days after he met with US President Joe Biden in the White House for St. Patrick's Day.
During his time as a political leader in Ireland, Varadkar said he believes he will see a united Ireland in his lifetime, but has warned against calling a border poll too soon.
In recent months, Varadkar has turned his sights stateside. He was announced as a guest lecturer at Harvard University in January and has secured a position on the US-based international public relations firm Penta Group's Global Advisory Board. In August, Varadkar attended the Democratic National Convention, where he snagged a selfie with Nancy Pelosi.
Niall Murphy, the secretary of Ireland's Future, pointed to Irish America's "interest" in Irish Unity when announcing Varadkar as the gala's keynote speaker in January.
"There is significant interest and excitement across Irish America in the period building up to the announcement of a border poll," Murphy said.
“Our organization has been working hard with key figures from across Irish America and the new American administration allows us a chance to put our position in front of new faces and willing listeners.
“We are delighted that we have developed relationships on a bipartisan basis and that whether they are Democrats or Republicans, those with an interest in Ireland’s Future are willing to assist and advance our work."
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Meanwhile, in February, an ARINS/Irish Times survey found that while Northern Ireland overall does not support Irish unity, there has been an increase in the amount of support in the North.
34% of people in Northern Ireland would vote for Irish unity if a referendum were to be held, an increase from 30% in 2023 and 27% in 2022.
In the Republic of Ireland, 64% would vote for Irish unity, a figure that's level with 2023 and decrease from 66% in 2022.
The Irish Times further found that there has been an increase in support for holding a referendum on Irish reunification.
In the Republic of Ireland, 79% of people think there should be a referendum, while 10% are opposed. These responses have been stable over time.
In Northern Ireland, 81% of Catholics support holding a referendum, a figure that's similar to the findings in 2023.
As per the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland's Secretary of State has the power to call a border poll "if at any time it appears likely to him that a majority of those voting would express a wish that Northern Ireland should cease to be part of the United Kingdom and form part of a united Ireland."
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