Positive result in mock border poll

A mock Referendum on Irish Unity was held in the South Armagh village of Crossmaglen and the neighbouring Creggan Upper community in County Louth this week, the culmination of a three week campaign in the area.

The ballot asked almost 3,000 people ‘Do you think Ireland should be reunited?’. It yielded an almost 93% ‘Yes’ vote, adding to pressure by Sinn Féin for a border poll on reunification as mentioned in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.

“We hope that by holding this poll Crossmaglen and Creggan Upper will make a positive contribution to the debate for Irish Unity,” said Chairperson of the ‘United Ireland – You Decide’ group, Emma McArdle.

Only 7.3% of the 1,050 people who voted answered ‘No’. The organisers put the turn-out at 42%.

Ms McArdle said the poll showed “a huge demand in these parts for Ireland to be united”.

“Our group has come together to tell the story of the people on the ground who actually live day and daily with the effects of the border.

“Our voice has been lost in this debate so far and so we want to articulate how the border impacts on us. We want to start a conversation at community level on the future of Ireland and we call for the people to have their say.

“The Good Friday Agreement, which is now 15 years old, states that there will be a Border Poll when it appears likely that a majority of those living in the north want Ireland to be reunited.

“We think that the time has come to begin a debate on the issues associated with a United Ireland.”

“Our poll has let the people’s voice be heard,” she concluded.

The poll was designed to be as inclusive as possible, and allowed voting by those aged 16 years old and over.

A party atmosphere prevailed as polling stations operated in Crossmaglen Community Centre and Naomh Malachi Gaelic club throughout Saturday.

The campaign saw a number of events including a 10k run and a family walk, a live debate and a car cavalcade and balloon launch.

Urgent Appeal