Sinn Fein, the Irish party with representation across Ireland, plans to hold a referendum on Irish reunification by the end of the decade, according to the party’s leader, Mary Lou McDonald.
Making the announcement to journalists in London, McDonald highlighted the extensive preparation required before any such referendum could take place. So far, the Dublin government has not seen fit to bring the question forward for consideration.
Northern Ireland’s British province has, for the first time, a pro-reunification government leader in Michelle O’Neill. She has clearly expressed support for a referendum on Irish unity and expects London to respect this agreement, regardless of which political party is in power.
Following the 2022 regional legislative elections, Sinn Fein became the most powerful party in Northern Ireland for the first time. The formation of the government was delayed by two years due to a boycott by the unionist DUP party. Sinn Fein is also set to become the most powerful party in the Republic of Ireland, with general elections to be held no later than March 2025.
Historically, Sinn Fein was seen as the political branch of the IRA, a paramilitary organisation that waged armed conflict against London for years. This civil war continued for three decades costing thousands of lives.
There was no winner in the war – both sides put their arms down and decided to talk. Today, the party has renounced violence and is led by a new generation of leaders.
