Zohran Mamdani: Irish people should decide what unity looks like

Speaking alongside Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the New York Irish Centre, Zohran Mamdani said 'I believe in self-determination. That should be extended to the Irish'

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and New York mayor Zohran Mamdani.

New York mayor Zohran Mamdani has said that he “trusts Irish people” to decide what Irish unity and “26 plus six” should look like.

He made the comments after a round of bingo calling with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the New York Irish Centre in Long Island City yesterday.

The pair later took the Subway, which the mayor said is linked to Cork.

Asked if he would support Irish unity, Mr Mamdani said he “trusts the Irish to make that decision.

“I believe in self-determination. That should be extended to the Irish,” he said.

“It is for them to decide 26 plus six, what it answers.”

British prime minister Andy Burnham said last month, during a visit to Belfast, that a referendum on a united Ireland was “off the table”.

US president Donald Trump, who visited Ireland earlier this month, also weighed in, declaring that Irish unity was "going to happen eventually" and "it may as well happen now".

Mr Mamdani said it was a “pleasure” to be at the centre with the Taoiseach, noting that they had bonded over Cork.

“It is a pleasure to be with the Taoiseach,” Mr Mamdani told reporters.

“We also not only have celebrated Cork and Cork FC, but now we are going to get on the Subway.

“Part of the Subway’s heritage is a celebration of Cork, because John McDonald was one of the original conductors and creators of the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit Company).”

Mr Mamdani was also asked if he believed people should watch Ireland’s Nations League clashes with Israel.

Controversy continues to rage over the fixtures, set for September 27 and October 4, which are being contested in the neutral countries of Hungary and Serbia.

Mr Mamdani said: “What I would say is that I appreciate the Irish people, and I actually mentioned this in the Taoiseach as well, that when we're thinking in New York City as to what is an example of solidarity, it often becomes the answer of the Irish and how the way the Irish stood up for dignity and a real belief in human rights and applying it to Palestinians when so many people draw a line and refuse to do so.

“So, I'm truly in appreciation. I will leave that question to the Irish.”

The New York mayor later brought Mr Martin on the Subway, an event that was described as “splits the G (train) with Taoiseach Micheál Martin”.

That Taoiseach will make Ireland’s national address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday on the last of his three-day visit to the city.

• Louise Burne, Political Correspondent, in New York