Varadkar's united Ireland comments described as 'unhelpful' and ill-advised'

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar feeding the sea lions during a visit to Dublin Zoo today. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

Leo Varadkar's comments on a united Ireland 'in my lifetime' have been described as both unhelpful and ill-advised by the British Government and by unionists in the north.

At his party's Ard Fheis on Tuesday evening, the Fine Gael leader said he believes the "unification of our island can happen in my lifetime” and outlined plans for a party branch in the north.
He later said Fine Gael has no plan to run candidates in elections in Northern Ireland but wants to build alliances with like-minded parties.