In a significant political move, Ivana Bacik, the leader of the Republic of Ireland’s Labour Party, has called for the Irish and British governments to establish a definitive timeline for a border poll on Northern Ireland. Speaking at the party’s annual conference on Saturday, Bacik emphasized the importance of a ‘unity referendum,’ while cautioning against hasty execution. She stressed the necessity of setting a ‘clear time frame’ to ensure a structured and thoughtful process. The Good Friday Agreement (GFA) stipulates that a referendum must be conducted if the Northern Ireland secretary believes a majority would favor Irish unification. However, the criteria for such a determination remain undefined. Bacik’s appeal adds to a growing chorus of political voices advocating for preparations for a border poll. Earlier this year, Irish President Catherine Connolly pledged to leverage her influence for a united Ireland. Similarly, Alliance Party leader Naomi Long recently urged the Northern Ireland secretary to outline the conditions for initiating a referendum. Former Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar also highlighted the need for Dublin to commence planning for such a pivotal event. The discourse surrounding a potential unity referendum underscores the complex and evolving dynamics of Ireland–UK relations.
