Massive vote for united Ireland as people go to the polls

AN OVERWHELMING majority of the electorate in the Crossmaglen and Creggan Upper wards who voted in the People’s Referendum on Saturday 25 May want a united Ireland.

The electoral wards, which straddle the Border at South Armagh and North Louth, witnessed a hive of activity over the past month as scores of community activists campaigned on the question: ‘Should Ireland Be Reunited?’

The answer delivered at the polls on Saturday was a resounding YES as almost 93% of the voters backed unity.

Just 7.3% of the 1,050 people who voted answered No.

There was a 42% turn-out.

Campaign Chairperson Emma McArdle told An Phoblacht at the count centre she was delighted with the turn-out and the result.

“The poll shows clearly there is a huge demand in these parts for Ireland to be united. Our poll has let the people’s voice be heard.

She praised the efforts of the Returning Officer, former Head of the Legal Rights Unit of the SIPTU trade union, Michael Halpenny, and his staff who ensured the referendum and the count was carried out to the highest standards.

Catalan MP Alfred Bosch, who conducted a similar people's referendum in Catalonia, acted as an international observer.