Menu
01/08/2018
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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 April 2022
DUP Warn Of SF's Divisive Border Poll Plans
The DUP have warned that the electorate should be "under no illusions" about Sinn Fein's divisive plans for Northern Ireland should they win the Assembly Election on 5th May. Commenting, DUP Strangford Candidate Peter Weir said: "Sinn Fein's sights at this election are fixed firmly on a divisive border poll.
DUP Warn Of SF's Divisive Border Poll Plans
The DUP have warned that the electorate should be "under no illusions" about Sinn Fein's divisive plans for Northern Ireland should they win the Assembly Election on 5th May. Commenting, DUP Strangford Candidate Peter Weir said: "Sinn Fein's sights at this election are fixed firmly on a divisive border poll.
26 September 2022
DUP Accuse Labour Of Playing 'Dangerous Games'
The DUP has accused the Labour Party of playing "dangerous games" if they appease Sinn Fein's divisive border poll plans. East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson said: "The Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn became so absorbed into Sinn Féin's orbit that it's conference talked about "the north" rather than Northern Ireland. Little seems to have changed.
DUP Accuse Labour Of Playing 'Dangerous Games'
The DUP has accused the Labour Party of playing "dangerous games" if they appease Sinn Fein's divisive border poll plans. East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson said: "The Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn became so absorbed into Sinn Féin's orbit that it's conference talked about "the north" rather than Northern Ireland. Little seems to have changed.
05 May 2022
DUP: Election A Choice Between Action Or Border Poll
DUP Leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, has said the NI's Assembly election is a "choice between real action on issues that matter to people or a divisive border poll".
DUP: Election A Choice Between Action Or Border Poll
DUP Leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, has said the NI's Assembly election is a "choice between real action on issues that matter to people or a divisive border poll".
27 April 2022
DUP Claim SF Admit Border Poll Priority
The DUP has claimed they they have pressured Sinn Féin into admitting that their priority is setting a date for a divisive border poll. Making the claim, Director of Elections Gordon Lyons, said: "The DUP is the only unionist party to have forced Sinn Fein to admit their priority lies with a divisive border poll.
DUP Claim SF Admit Border Poll Priority
The DUP has claimed they they have pressured Sinn Féin into admitting that their priority is setting a date for a divisive border poll. Making the claim, Director of Elections Gordon Lyons, said: "The DUP is the only unionist party to have forced Sinn Fein to admit their priority lies with a divisive border poll.
31 March 2022
SF's Election Launch Shows Border Poll Priority
Sinn Féin's election launch demonstrates that their priority lies on holding a border poll rather than on helping families or rebuilding our economy, the DUP's Gordon Lyons has said. Following the election rally, the DUP Director of Elections said: "Sinn Fein's rally was a show of strength for a border poll.
SF's Election Launch Shows Border Poll Priority
Sinn Féin's election launch demonstrates that their priority lies on holding a border poll rather than on helping families or rebuilding our economy, the DUP's Gordon Lyons has said. Following the election rally, the DUP Director of Elections said: "Sinn Fein's rally was a show of strength for a border poll.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
