Irish republicans are intensifying calls for a referendum on Irish reunification following the UK's vote to leave the European Union. Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland's largest Irish nationalist party, argues that the Brexit result creates a 'democratic imperative' for a border poll, as Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU by 56 per cent.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness stated that the decision to leave the EU has 'huge implications' for the island of Ireland and runs counter to the democratic wishes of the Irish people. He accused the British Tory party of dragging Northern Ireland out of the EU against its will, describing the move as unrelated to European institutions.
Sinn Fein chairman Declan Kearney declared that the outcome 'dramatically changes the political landscape' and vowed to intensify the case for a border poll. Under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the Northern Ireland Secretary may call such a vote at any time and must do so if a majority appears likely to support a united Ireland.
However, Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers rejected the notion that the criteria for a border poll have been met. Democratic Unionist leader Arlene Foster dismissed Sinn Fein's demand as predictable and insisted the Union is stronger after the Leave vote, stating, 'The test has not been met so therefore I don't believe it will happen.'
