The Tánaiste was making his first visit to Stormont since taking up the role

The former SDLP leader Mr Eastwood said conversations about a unity referendum had “moved to a different level” since Brexit

The Fine Gael leader said it is his and his party’s aspiration for there to be a united Ireland, but it is not a priority for him.

The UK Government is obliged to call a referendum in Northern Ireland if there is evidence of a shift in opinion in favour of Irish unity.

Speaking on the Occupied Territories Bill, Mr Mac Lochlainn criticised the Government for not implementing the bill before the general election.

Mr Varadkar will develop his thoughts in a speech in Derry on Thursday to a meeting of the SDLP’s New Ireland Commission.

The Taoiseach said it was more important for the British and Irish governments to the powersharing institutions at Stormont.

The former taoiseach also said financial planning needs to start for a united Ireland

Daithí Doolan says he is not concerned by recent figures, and used the jump in after the 2019 elections as an example.

Simon Harris is expected to become taoiseach this week.

Simon Harris is due to be appointed taoiseach on Tuesday.

The DUP gave the green light for the recall of the Stormont Assembly on the back of a deal with the British government

The end of the two-year Stormont blockage was signalled when DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson secured the backing of his party executive.

The Taoiseach said there is not enough talk to convince people in Northern Ireland “that a united Ireland would be a warm home for them”

The Northern Ireland Office minister and leading Brexiteer acknowledged the referendum would have failed under a supermajority.

The United Ireland debate is always divisive, and public correspondence to the Taoiseach on the matter is just as mixed

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has described the “double standards” within the UK government as unhelpful

DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly has said her party will take time on restoring the Stormont executive to strengthen the institutions.

Debate around a United Ireland needs to move from cultural issues to practical and economic ones, according to political commentator Kevin Meagher

A recent poll found voters in the Republic said they are less likely to vote for Irish unity if it meant changing the national flag or anthem

A survey showed there is a majority of more than four to one in favour of a united Ireland in the Republic

The comments were made during a discussion organised by the pro-unity group Ireland’s Future

The debate on Irish unity must transition from "aspirational to achievable", according to Fine Gael spokesperson on European Affairs, Neale Richmond.

Three days of hearings will be held in the Seanad chamber this autumn and a report of the findings will be published.

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard said preparations should begin for a referendum