Border poll would not have a ‘hope in hell’ of passing, says Bertie Ahern
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Former Irish premier Bertie Ahern has said a border poll on a united Ireland would not have a “hope in hell” of passing at present. Mr Ahern said “work has to be done” on how a united Ireland would work both economically and socially before a vote can be held. “It wouldn’t have a hope in hell of passing.” He added that he thought people would see that it would be “illogical” to vote for a united Ireland without planning for one being completed. Asked whether a Citizens’ Assembly might be a way of examining issues relating to a border poll, Mr Ahern said Citizens’ Assemblies had sorted out “thorny” issues in Ireland in recent years but he did not believe it was the best option available in this instance.
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