Fearon calls for referendum on Irish unity

» Michael McMonagle

Across Ireland people want unity; it is time the British government announced its intention to hold a referendum and when it will be held.

The British government needs to recognise the growing demand for the reunification of Ireland across the island and call a referendum on Irish unity, Junior Minister Megan Fearon said today. 

The Newry and Armagh MLA made the call at the annual Edentubber commemoration this afternoon. 

Hundreds of people took part in the commemoration in South Armagh to remember the five republicans killed in a premature explosion at Edentubber in 1957. 

At the commemoration, Ms Fearon said the growth in support for Sinn Féin in recent years is clear evidence of the increasing demand for Irish unity. 

“The Good Friday Agreement allows for a referendum on the reunification of Ireland and Sinn Féin has consistently called on the British government to state publically when it will be held. 

“They have said such a poll would be triggered when there is a significant change in attitude towards the current status quo and argue that has yet to happen. 

“I have a message for James Brokenshire and Theresa May; we are the significant change of attitude and there is a growing demand across Ireland’s 32 counties for Irish unity. 

“Across Ireland people want unity; it is time the British government announced its intention to hold a referendum and when it will be held,” she said.