'A new state, designed together' – Leo Varadkar calls for Irish unification

The Tánaiste told the Fine Gael ard fheis the party has to work towards unity, starting by establishing a branch in Northern Ireland

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar criticised Sinn Féin's approach to unity as 'a cold form of Republicanism'. Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie

Leo Varadkar said Fine Gael is the party to "unify our island" in his lifetime.

Opening the Fine Gael ard fheis on Tuesday, the Tánaiste told his party he believes it should establish a branch in Northern Ireland as "tectonic plates were shifting" in the centenary year of its foundation.