Northern Ireland should hold unity referendum by 2030, first minister says

Saturday, 31 January 2026 17:13

Northern Ireland should hold a referendum on whether it should become part of a united Ireland by 2030, the country's first minister has said.

Speaking to the Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips show, Michelle O'Neill said it was an opportunity for the people of Northern Ireland to "take control of our own fortunes".

Ms O'Neill was asked if she could imagine a so-called border poll during her time as first minister, and replied: "Yes, I absolutely can."

She said: "I think my party's view is that we should have this by 2030. I think that's only a short way away.

"So now is the time for the plan and the preparation."

The first minister added: "I don't want done to the people here what was done in relation to Brexit.

"Brexit was an economic self-harm, a massive act of economic self-harm.

"It was done against the wishes of the people."

She said: "We have an ability to take control of our own fortunes. I encourage all political leaders to reach for that together."

Her remarks appear to contradict what Ireland's premier Micheal Martin has said about the referendum.

In September, the Irish prime minister (taoiseach) said "there won't be a border poll before 2030".

Northern Ireland's deputy first minister also appeared on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips and said the nationalist and republican movements in Northern Ireland have not increased their vote share since Westminster devolved power to Northern Ireland in 1998.

Emma Little Pengelly said: "I'm a unionist, we have a Sinn Fein first minister. But I think it's important to say that in Northern Ireland nationalism and republicanism haven't increased their vote from 1998.

"Despite democratic change, they're sitting on and around the same percentage that they had in 1998. I think those who want to see the breakup of the union do try to constantly get this momentum.

"I have no doubt that you will hear that again because of course to serve their purpose is to try to get that sense of momentum towards that. That doesn't exist in Northern Ireland."

Sky News