Mary Lou McDonald used her leader’s address at Sinn Féin’s ardfheis to present an optimistic vision for the party

The Sinn Féin leader described recent comments on Irish reunification made by the former Taoiseach as welcome but ‘belated’.

The findings were published by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA).

Paul Givan was speaking after Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald predicated a border poll will be held before 2030.

The Sinn Fein president said a lot of preparatory work will need to be done in advance of the referenda on both sides of the border.

A new opinion poll published by The Irish Times has found that 50 per cent of voters in Northern Ireland would reject a united Ireland, with 19 per cent remaining undecided. 

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

has marked the 30th anniversary of its reunification, drawing a generally positive picture of the progress made in knitting together east and west.