Northern Ireland’s first minister supports border poll by 2030, deputy urges UK unity

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has said a referendum on a united Ireland, or border poll, could take place by 2030. Speaking on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, she described it as an opportunity for citizens to “take control of our own fortunes” and called for planning and preparation ahead of any vote. O’Neill compared the potential referendum to Brexit, which she called “an economic self-harm” imposed against local wishes.

Her comments contrast with those of Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who said in September: “There won’t be a border poll before 2030.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, a unionist, also appeared on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips highlighting the benefits of a strong and united United Kingdom during times of global instability. She noted that nationalist and republican vote shares have remained largely unchanged since 1998, and argued that perceptions of momentum towards a united Ireland are not reflected in election results.

Northern Ireland’s government is shaped by the Good Friday Agreement, which created a power-sharing system where the First and Deputy First Ministers hold joint, co-equal leadership roles. Currently, O’Neill represents Sinn Féin and Little-Pengelly the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), ensuring both nationalist and unionist communities are represented in executive decisions.

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