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Next government should plan for Irish unity, former SDLP leader says

The former leader of the SDLP, Mark Durkan, has urged the next Irish government to begin planning for a potential Irish unity referendum, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to manage the process effectively. Speaking at the Hume Foundation's annual John and Pat Hume lecture, Durkan highlighted the importance of preparing for the possibility of a border poll, as outlined in the Good Friday Agreement, which allows for referendums on both sides of the border if it appears likely that a majority would support a united Ireland. He stressed that without proper planning, the process could lead to division and instability. Durkan also criticized the current political climate for lacking the necessary dialogue and preparation, suggesting that the government should engage in a comprehensive planning process to ensure any future referendum is conducted smoothly and inclusively.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-ie/politics/government/next-government-should-plan-for-irish-unity-former-sdlp-leader-says/ar-AA1vVudv ]