Sinn Féin spokesperson on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Rose Conway-Walsh TD, has welcomed the findings of the recent survey carried out by the Irish Times and the ARINS Project (Analysing and Researching Ireland North and South), which reveals that most people both North and South would want to maintain the east-west link post reunification.

Teachta Conway-Walsh said:

“Being in charge of our own affairs in an independent united Ireland does not mean we cannot or should not have a mutually beneficial respectful relationship with our nearest neighbours. There are many issues such as tackling climate change, food security, energy security and public health that are best tackled by both islands working together.

“It is not surprising that people in Ireland wish to see parliamentary links with Britain maintained in the event of Irish Unity. People are pragmatic when it comes to the future shape of our island.

“The strong trading relationship between the two jurisdictions is mutually beneficial. The east-west pillar of the Good Friday Agreement is of crucial importance. This is what established the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIC).

“This is the main forum for heads of both governments to meet to discuss matters of mutual importance. Meetings have been sporadic at times with the PM and Taoiseach not always attending, going forward they should be regularised and prioritised.

“Our history of emigration from Ireland to Britain is reflected in the reality that most households in Ireland have family links to Britain.

“Over 520,000 Irish-born people live in Britain while more than 100,000 British-born people live south of the border in Ireland. Naturally, these family ties will continue in future generations regardless of the outcome of a referendum on Irish Unity.”