Mike Nesbitt: I suspect Irish unity may be nearer now than it was before EU referendum of 2016
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Mike Nesbitt made the comments on the Stephen Nolan show today on BBC Radio Ulster, in response to a simmering debate about comments from former Alliance leader Lord Alderdice.
Lord Alderdice had penned a piece which he published online, opining that unionism may well have had its day.
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Hide AdHe said given the demographic and electoral shifts that have happened in recent years, it is “all over bar the shouting”.
Mr Nesbitt led the UUP from 2012 to 2017.
He was asked whether Northern Ireland may be nearer to constitutional change now than it was before 2016.
"I suspect we might well be, Stephen,” he said.
“Because between 2011 when I was first elected and a Brexit vote in mid-2016, I don't recall a single debate about Northern Ireland's constitutional position up at Stormont.
"And I mean, even a conversation in the coffee bar or canteen. I can't remember anybody talking about it.
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Hide Ad"Since the Brexit vote, it has become part of the daily political discourse.
"So if that means we're closer to a border poll, then that's where we are."
Asked if this was self-inflicted by unionists, he said: "I think Brexit was a terrible mistake. I analysed it... what I said was whatever it may mean for Scotland, England, and Wales it is not good for Northern Ireland.
"That's why we took a remain position under my leadership in 2016…
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Hide Ad"If the constant debate means we're closer then, yes. But I don't think it is in any way inevitable that constitutional change is coming.”
Does Mr Nesbitt think it is probable within his lifetime?
"No, I don't,” the UUP MLA (who is in his mid-60s) replied.