Martin plans commission on Irish unity
The Taoiseach will examine if a united Ireland should retain the Stormont Assembly, outlining three potential constitutional futures.
By Anthony Foster ·
Micheál Martin, the current Taoiseach of Ireland, announced a new commission to determine the future structure of the island. The initiative focuses on whether a united Ireland would maintain the Stormont Assembly as a devolved body.
Martin will present a memo to the Cabinet regarding this move. The document proposes an exploration of the island's constitutional futures. Pat Leahy, a political editor for the Irish Times, noted this is Martin's most significant intervention in the debate since taking office six years ago.
Leahy observed that Martin faced criticism from Sinn Féin and other nationalist groups for a perceived lack of interest in Irish unity. These groups have often cited his inaction in preparing for a unified state. Martin's current approach is described as a scoping exercise rather than a direct pathway to unification.
The commission, organized by the Department of the Taoiseach, will evaluate three specific options. The first is the status quo. The second is a unitary state. The third is a united Ireland that keeps a devolved Assembly for the six counties of Northern Ireland.
Leahy called the idea of preserving Stormont an interesting departure. He suggested this may reflect Martin's view on the most likely shape of a united Ireland, at least for a temporary period. This structure would keep Northern Ireland as a devolved region under Dublin's sovereignty rather than London's, allowing for a transition period.
The commission will examine how to integrate difficult systems during this transition. These include education, health, crime, security, and defense. Leahy noted that keeping Stormont could make a united Ireland more palatable to some unionist community members.
Under the Good Friday Agreement, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland must call a border poll if majority support for unification appears likely. A recent LucidPoll survey found 47% of people in Northern Ireland support the Union with Great Britain. Meanwhile, 35% back a united Ireland, and 18% remain undecided.
