Secretary of State accused of ‘burying head in sand’ over Irish border poll

Secretary of State Hilary Benn has been accused of “burying his head in the sand” over an Irish border poll.

Sinn Fein MP Daire Hughes was responding after Mr Benn said a poll for a united Ireland is a “long way off”.

Speaking on the Stormont Sources podcast this week, Mr Benn said he has just one document in his possession which relates to a border poll, and that is the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement.

The landmark peace deal agreed in 1998 says that it is for the secretary of state to call a border poll if at any time it appears likely that a majority of those voting would vote for constitutional change.

“Those who drafted the Good Friday Agreement weighed every single word with enormous care,” he said.

“When people say there must be a border poll by a certain date my response is, that is not consistent with the Good Friday Agreement.

“The Good Friday Agreement doesn’t say it must be held by x date or y date, it is the secretary of state’s judgment of what the likely outcome is.

“If and when and as that moment arrives – and I am of the view that it’s a long way off because no-one who is calling for a border poll can actually argue that that condition is currently met in Northern Ireland.

“There is nothing one can point to that says a majority of people in Northern Ireland are in favour of constitutional change, which is why I and others have said that is certainly some years off.”

He added: “I think we have a clear condition. I am sure the secretary of state at the time, whoever it is, will know what his or her responsibility is, if and when that moment comes.

“For now, there is so much to be getting on with to make Northern Ireland the best place for the people of Northern Ireland.”

In a statement on Friday Mr Hughes said: “While Hilary Benn may wish to bury his head in the sand, the reality is a live and energetic debate is under way on a new and united Ireland.

“More than ever, wide sections of society across the island are engaged in an exciting conversation about what a stronger and fairer Ireland could look like.

“A responsible British government would begin working with the Irish government to plan and prepare for future constitutional change.”