Archbishop Eamon Martin Advocates for Immediate Talks on United Ireland

Archbishop Eamon Martin, the Primate of All Ireland, has expressed his belief in a United Ireland and emphasized the need for immediate discussions regarding the steps toward reunification. During an interview with Extra.ie, the Archbishop highlighted the significance of engaging in dialogue around this issue, especially on the 31st anniversary of the Provisional IRA’s 1994 ceasefire announcement.

The Archbishop stated that he anticipates a vote on Irish unity to occur “within his lifetime.” Nevertheless, he underscored the importance of creating the right conditions to ensure that any poll would not provoke divisiveness. As the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, he affirmed that the Church, organized on an all-island basis, will be actively involved when the time for a poll comes.

When asked directly about his stance on a United Ireland, Archbishop Martin responded affirmatively. “Yes, yeah. I mean, like, I’m very clearly a nationalist. I’ve never been, under any circumstances, in favour of the use of violence in order to achieve that goal,” he stated. He elaborated on the deeper implications of reunification, questioning whether it merely involves erasing a border or entails establishing a new identity for the island.

Call for Immediate Conversations

Archbishop Martin expressed a desire to collaborate with members of the Catholic Church and other faith communities to reflect on what a United Ireland would represent. He emphasized the interconnectedness of Ireland with Britain and Europe, pointing out that in today’s global society, Ireland’s role and standing are crucial.

Regarding the timeline for a potential border poll, he reiterated his belief that it could happen during his lifetime. While acknowledging that the outcome of such a poll remains uncertain, he noted the shifting public sentiment towards Irish unity. Recent polls have indicated a growing support for reunification in Northern Ireland; however, a clear majority still favors remaining part of the United Kingdom.

The Archbishop remarked on the changing dynamics since the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, noting that many people are reconsidering the possibilities for Northern Ireland. “I think a lot of people are saying, ‘look, what are the other possibilities?’” he said. He called for immediate conversations on the topic, stressing that the actual vote should take place at a time when it would not be overly divisive.

Concerns Over Violence and Divisiveness

When questioned about the potential for a United Ireland amidst loyalist sentiments and the rise of far-right, anti-immigrant attitudes, Archbishop Martin expressed his hope that such a transition could occur without resorting to violence. He stated, “I think it ought to. I do not think that violence is inevitable.” He cautioned that a border poll should only be considered when there is substantial support for it, indicating that if a significant portion of the population is not in favor of peaceful dialogue, the timing may not be right.

The Archbishop acknowledged the potential for manipulation of the situation by various factions but maintained that this issue is not exclusive to Ireland. He called for a broad-based discussion to ensure that the complexities of the matter are addressed adequately before any referendum takes place.

As discussions around the future of Ireland continue, Archbishop Eamon Martin’s comments reflect a significant perspective within the Catholic Church and signal an ongoing commitment to fostering dialogue on the prospects of a United Ireland.