Varadkar Says Farage as UK PM Would Elevate Irish Unity Debate

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has expressed his belief that a United Ireland will eventually happen but emphasized that it is not inevitable and requires dedicated effort from civic and political leaders. Varadkar highlighted demographic trends and polling data indicating growing support for unification, especially among younger people in Northern Ireland, but noted that support, particularly in the south, remains broad but not deep. He warned that the election of Nigel Farage as UK prime minister could accelerate support for Irish unity and Scottish independence, as a right-wing nationalist government in London might foster dissatisfaction among Northern Irish voters, particularly those with liberal and European views, who might then favor unification. Varadkar described British politics as volatile and suggested that a Farage-led government might reverse progress made by the current UK government towards EU relations and minority rights, further influencing attitudes in Northern Ireland. While he advocates for planning and preparation for a border poll on Irish unity, he cautioned against fixing a referendum date prematurely due to the current lack of sufficient electoral support. Varadkar also proposed establishing a forum for political parties interested in discussing unity to advance the objective beyond mere aspiration.