Irish leader calls on EU chiefs to prepare for Ireland unity poll

Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny has opened the debate for a unity poll on the country's border with Northern Ireland, after Britain's decision to leave the European Union last month.

Kenny called on EU leaders to prepare for the prospect of a vote on the constitutional question of the North, comparing it to the situation of West and East Germany after the Berlin Wall's collapse.

Speaking at a summer school in Glenties, Donegal, close to the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic, the Taoiseach referred to a clause in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement hat allows for a poll if there is significant support for the idea.

"The discussion and negotiations that take place over the next period should take into account the possibility, however far out it might be, that the clause in the Good Friday Agreement might be triggered," he said, "in that if there is a clear evidence of a majority of people wishing to leave the United Kingdom and join the Republic, that should be catered for in the discussions.

Kenny called on EU leaders to prepare for the prospect of a vote on the constitutional question

"Because if that possibility were to happen, you would have Northern Ireland wishing to leave the United Kingdom, not being a member of the European Union, and joining the Republic, which will be a member of the EU."

Britain decided to leave the European bloc at the end of last month, triggering vast political uncertainty in the British Isles, from the leadership of the main political parties to questions regarding Scotland and Northern Ireland's positions in the UK, after both voted to remain in the EU.

The Taoiseach told an audience that the North-South trade links were more important in terms of volume to the North, which would suggest an appetite for such a vote there.

"So in the same way as East Germany was dealt with when the wall came down, was able to be absorbed into West Germany and not to have to have to go through a torturous and long process of applying for membership of the European Union," the Taoiseach said.

"So when Northern Ireland voted to stay (in the EU), who knows what might happen in the time ahead? I am just making the point that these are the kinds of things that should be looked at in the broadest of ways in discussions that take place.

Recently appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire has ruled out the possibility of any type of border poll, backing the stance of current First Minister Arlene Foster.

Republican Party Sinn Fein have called for a discussion about the constitutional question ever since the result of Britain's referendum.