Poll claims slight majority in North favour united Ireland

The Irish and British governments have been urged to start planning for a unity referendum after a new poll claimed a slight majority of people living in Northern Ireland now favour joining a united Ireland.

Sinn Féin’s northern leader Michelle O’Neill made the call after the latest Lord Ashcroft poll said 46% of people in Northern Ireland would choose to join the Republic compared to 45% who want to remain part of the UK.