Paul Rouse: Jarlath Burns can do his country some service

The GAA's president elect evidently understands the scale of the challenge that faces those who wish to see a United Ireland.

MANDATE: Newly elected GAA president Jarlath Burns is congratulated on his election. Picture: INPHO/Morgan Treacy

After his comprehensive victory in the election to choose the GAA’s next president, Jarlath Burns did not shy away from a question asked about how the GAA might approach a Border Poll. He will not take office formally until next year, but what he says now clearly matters.

It was fascinating to hear his thoughts on the evolving constitutional situation in Ireland in the wake of the turmoil caused by Brexit: “In the climate where there would be a border poll called, it would be incumbent on all civic organisations to take a position on it, and it wouldn’t be shock therapy to anybody to hear that the GAA, who have always ignored partition very honourably, would want to see a united Ireland.