Urgent: Labour Leader Demands Timeline for Irish Unity Poll by 2028

UPDATE: Labour leader Ivana Bacik has called for the Irish government to establish a timeline for a border poll by the 30th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in 2028. This urgent demand comes as Bacik aims to clarify that her party’s stance on Irish unity is not driven by Sinn Fein.

During the Labour Party’s national conference on Saturday, Bacik emphasized that advocating for a 32-county republic is a fundamental belief of the Labour Party, not merely a political strategy to attract Sinn Fein voters. “Labour is a republican party. We want to build that new republic that Catherine Connolly spoke so powerfully about,” she asserted.

After Catherine Connolly was elected as Ireland’s 10th president with support from left-wing parties, Bacik highlighted the potential for collaborative efforts among opposition parties. She stressed the importance of a dedicated government department to facilitate the preparations for Irish unity, rather than relying on a unit within the Taoiseach’s office.

Bacik pointed out that the Shared Island initiative, although well-intentioned, is now five years old without significant progress. She stated, “We need to see some positive progress towards the holding of a referendum” by the key anniversary in 2028.

In her address, Bacik called on both the Irish and British governments to establish “a clear timeline” for the border poll, emphasizing the need for adequate preparation. “We don’t want a fourth green field for its own sake. We know better than to run a referendum in haste—without sufficient preparation, or groundwork,” she explained. Bacik insisted on the necessity for respectful and well-considered debate, advocating for the creation of a Green and White paper and citizens’ assemblies.

With the political landscape shifting, Bacik’s statements are a direct response to growing calls for clarity on the timeline for Irish unity. As the nation approaches the 30th anniversary of the historic agreement, the Labour leader’s push for action could significantly shape future discussions on Ireland’s political future.

This developing situation highlights the Labour Party’s commitment to Irish unity and the potential for significant changes in the region’s governance. For those interested in the ongoing developments in Irish politics, this is a story to follow closely.

Stay tuned for more updates on this critical issue as it unfolds.