Referendum on a united Ireland a ‘long-term’ goal, says Adams

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has conceded that a referendum on a united Ireland — as allowed under the Good Friday Agreement — is unlikely to take place under the current Dáil term.

At the weekend, his party will launch its campaign for a border poll allowing voters north and south to decide on breaking the north’s link to Britain.

Under the terms of the 1998 agreement, the secretary of state can call a referendum, but only if it is thought there is a likelihood of majority support for a united Ireland. It can only be called once every seven years.