Taoiseach calls partition of Ireland 'a disaster'

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 18 Oct, 16:31 · Archive

Irish premier Micheál Martin said partition made both parts of Ireland 'less diverse and less successful'.

The Taoiseach described the partition of Ireland as a 'disaster' during a Fianna Fáil Wolfe Tone commemoration in County Kildare on Sunday. Mr Martin said partition had 'made both parts of our island less diverse and less successful' and had led to over a century of divergence in social, economic, educational, health, legal and other areas.

Mr Martin also referenced the recent Drumcree parade dispute in Portadown, saying it had 'damaged everyone'. The march, permitted for the first time in almost 30 years, triggered a stand-off lasting nearly two weeks after large crowds of protesters gathered in opposition. Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant intervened to ban the parade following a request from PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher.

The Taoiseach said there needed to be 'much greater understanding of the issues which are relevant to deciding on constitutional changes'. He criticised those who believe 'all we need is a White Paper and a Citizen's Assembly and everything will work itself out' regarding Irish unity, appearing to reference Sinn Féin's previous attempts to bring forward legislation for such an assembly. Mr Martin stated there could be 'no going back to the days of escalating conflict around parades'.

How it is being reported

• Partition of Ireland was a disaster says Micheál Martin'It has led to over a century of divergence in social, economic, educational, health, legal and other areas'Belfast Live · 18 Oct, 16:15
• Partition of Ireland ‘was a disaster’, Micheál Martin saysBelfast Telegraph · 18 Oct, 15:13
• Taoiseach says ‘partition was a disaster’ during Wolfe Tone commemoration speechMicheál Martin said the division of Ireland made the island ‘less diverse and less successful’Belfast Telegraph · 18 Oct, 14:46

In this story: Micheál Martin · Sir Chris Bryant · Jon Boutcher · Ireland · Northern Ireland · Portadown · County Kildare · Fianna Fáil

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