Member's statement: United Ireland: Fine Gael Blueprint

Member's statement by Mr Jon Burrows on 15 June 2026.

MLA

Mr Jon Burrows

Party at the time

Ulster Unionist Party

Date

15 June 2026

Type

Member's statement

Business

Members' Statements

Heading

United Ireland: Fine Gael Blueprint

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5613328

Read the official Assembly record

Text

Simon Harris's so-called blueprint for Irish unity and his claim that there is a duty on all parties to work towards Irish unity is a stunning example of tone-deaf statecraft. Under the Belfast Agreement, Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom until a majority says otherwise. Articles 2 and 3 of the Irish constitution were amended so that the people of Northern Ireland could get on with making this place work and making it peaceful and prosperous without a third country making claims again on Northern Ireland. We can dress it up as the Irish Government seeking a united Ireland, but let us call it what it is: one sovereign country seeking to break up another sovereign country. The Irish Republic is not simply saying, "We respect your right to have a vote, and, if that comes, we will have a vote down south"; no, it is actively attempting to change the constitution. Those on the nationalist and republican side have chastised UK Governments and Prime Ministers if they have dared to say that they are pro-unionist. Once again, we see double standards. I have no fear of Mr Harris's blueprint, and nor do I fear anyone who seeks to make the case for a united Ireland. The reality is that the people of Northern Ireland withstood a murderous bombing and shooting campaign from republicans and an equally bad one from loyalists. That did not change their mind. Every opinion poll shows that there is no increase in support for a united Ireland. What the political class and the media commentariat elites do not get is that most people in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland just want things done. They want access to a GP. They want access to a scan when they need it. They want a good place for their child at school. They need jobs, opportunities and skills. Those are the things that make people tick. Unfortunately, however, the bubble that some people live in leads them to think that people spring out of bed in the morning and think of constitutional change. Northern Ireland is at its most peaceful in 50 years. Bombings, shootings and public disorder are at their lowest level for 50 years. Economically, we are part of the fifth- or six-largest country on earth, which gives us economic security. We are part of the fifth- or sixth-largest country in terms of military might, which provides our national security. I give Mr Harris this advice: instead of a blueprint for Irish unity, you should produce a blueprint for national security for the Irish Republic, because it still relies on the United Kingdom's military prowess to keep it safe. I believe in Northern Ireland. I believe in its people. They are a great people. This is a great place that has a great future in the United Kingdom. We can make it a prosperous place for all.

485 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

Uncertain: close call Constitutional question, Brexit, the Windsor Framework and sovereignty

Jev’s structured answers

Assessed 21 October 2026 at 15:47 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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