UUP Hits Out At Enda Kenny's Comments On Border Poll

The UUP has hit out at comments made by Taoiseach Enda Kenny that Brexit talks should take into account the possibility of a future poll on a united Ireland.

UUP MLA Jenny Palmer said recent comments from various political quarters regarding the possibility of a border poll "really amount to much ado about nothing".

She said: "Everyone who approaches the border poll issue with an ounce of sense recognises, as the Taoiseach did yesterday, that there has to be evidence that a majority is likely to vote to change our constitutional position before a border poll can be triggered. The bottom line is that the evidence simply does not exist.

"The priority in the wake of the Referendum is for the Northern Ireland Executive to convince the people of Northern Ireland that they have a plan for the way forward for our economy, our farmers, our voluntary and community groups, our universities and everyone else who depends heavily on EU funding and support."

DUP MP Gregory Campbell said the Taoiseach would be best to focus on his own problems.

He said: "We have no interest in becoming embroiled in internal Irish politics, as Fine Gael try to respond to Fianna Fail. More heat than light at moment will not help the situation.

"We need to move forward to get the best deal for Northern Ireland and that includes talking to both Brussels and Westminster, and to the Irish Government where the cross border element is relevant.

"The UK government has made its position clear on a border poll – consistent with previous agreements. The new Prime Minister noted in her speech outside 10 Downing Street that she believed in the Union and now is the time for all to work constructively to get the best solution."

(CD/JP)