Keep focus on Covid, not a ‘reckless’ border poll, says Arlene Foster

The DUP leader also said it is “very disappointing” to see some nationalist parties across the UK talk about constitutional politics during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a new poll a majority of people in Northern Ireland would like to see a referendum on the reunification of Ireland within the next five years.

The Sunday Times commissioned a series of surveys across the four nations of the United Kingdom to gauge attitudes towards the union.

It found voters across the UK believe Scotland is likely to become independent within the next decade, but in Wales and England support for independence is low.

In Northern Ireland, the polling by Lucid Talk – which has consistently found higher support for Irish unity than other polling firms – found that 47% want to remain in the UK, with 42% in favour of a united Ireland and a significant proportion – 11% – undecided.

Asked if they support a referendum on a united Ireland within the next five years, 51% said Yes compared to 44% who are against the idea.

Speaking on Sky’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday programme, Mrs Foster said: “We all know how divisive a border poll would be. For us in Northern Ireland, what we have to do is all come together to fight against Covid and not be distracted by what would be absolutely reckless at this time.”

But she said she is not against having a conversation about a poll.

“It is not that I’m dead against it,” she said. “I can argue for the United Kingdom every day of the week because the arguments are rational, logical and they will win through.

“Nobody is suggesting, not even this poll is suggesting, that we would lose if there was a border poll. But it would be incredibly divisive.”

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said there is an “unstoppable” conversation under way on the future of Northern Ireland.

The Sinn Fein politician tweeted: “Over 50% of people here support a referendum on unity in the next five years. There is an unstoppable conversation under way on our constitutional future.

“It is time for the Irish Government to step up preparations. We can overcome the barriers of partition and build a new Ireland.”

But Ms Foster argued most people in Northern Ireland want politicians to “settle down” and deal with the pandemic, not discuss a border poll.