Brexit increases chance of a united Ireland: Adams

Mr Adams said that the debate on a unity vote was a chance to look at relations on the island.

“You are never going to get a border poll unless the Irish government is for it,” he said.

“The taoiseach’s language was qualified insofar as he said it won’t happen at this time, that’s fair enough, the fact is he has raised the concept and he has said he is going to make this part of the Brexit negotiations and that is good.”

He added: “The Good Friday Agreement allows for national reunification if a majority in the North consent to that.

“In the context of the North being dragged out of the EU by England, there is now a greater opportunity to achieve this.

“In the time ahead more and more people, who would have either opposed Irish unity or would have been dubious of it, will be open to the idea of exploring new relationships on this island in the context of remaining in the EU.”

Mr Adams said there was a need to be “open and imaginative about the possible new constitutional arrangements and political structures that might be needed”.