Unionists Accuse McDonald Of Political U-Turn Over Irish Border Poll

Unionists have accused Sinn Féin Leader Mary Lou McDonald of performing a political U-turn after she suggested against holding a poll on Irish unity due to uncertainties surrounding Brexit.

Ms McDonald insisted on Monday her party wanted a referendum on Irish unity "as soon as possible", despite less than 24 hours earlier stating it would be wrong to hold a border poll due to the current political climate.

Ulster Unionist Party Chief Whip, Steve Aiken MLA, said Ms McDonald's recent comments show both the Sinn Féin Leader and her party "are all over the place when it comes to when they want a border poll and why".

"The Sinn Fein President has performed a sharp handbrake turn on the comments she made in an interview on Monday," he said.

"She initially stated that a poll on Irish unity should not be held while uncertainty around Brexit remains, yet by Tuesday morning the Sinn Fein Press Office published a completely contradictory statement where she was quoted as saying that she wants a referendum as soon as possible.

"This follows hot on the heels of Máirtín Ó Muilleoir being very uncomfortable in answering any questions put to him about the type of united Ireland he wanted to see in a radio interview on Monday. Sinn Fein representatives would be better placed talking to each other first rather than attempting to dictate terms to others. It is clear that Sinn Fein don't have a plan and or a case to make."

DUP Leader Arlene Foster added: "Whilst there have been plenty of republican soundbites about a border poll, one interview exposed that Sinn Fein has no answers to basic questions about a united Ireland, such as what happens to our free-at-point-of-need health system.

"Indeed, within 24 hours of that interview, the Sinn Fein leadership is rowing back from their ‘not yet' position. As tempting as calling Sinn Fein's bluff might be, the principle of consent is in place and should be respected.

"Few dispute there is a clear majority in favour of staying within the United Kingdom, but it would be foolish to think that families across the country are itching for a destabilising border poll."

(LM)