Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today laid out his vision for a United Ireland at a Féile an Phobail and Ireland’s Future discussion event held in St Mary’s University College on the Falls Road in Belfast.

The College theatre was filled to capacity for the discussion, and an additional overflow room had to be opened to accommodate the large crowds in attendance.

Leo Varadkar served as Taoiseach from 2017 to 2020 and from 2022 to 2024, as Tanaiste from 2020 to 2022, and as the leader of Fine Gael from 2017 to 2024.

Last year he called on the Irish Government to make a united Ireland a political objective as well as an aspiration.

Speaking today at St Mary’s University College along with Baptist Minister Reverend Karen Sethuraman, the former Taoiseach said;

“It is great to be in West Belfast and St Mary’s University College today for this important discussion about the future of Ireland along with the Reverend Karen Sethuraman.”

“I believe that building a new and united Ireland is the next step in our national journey, and the future of this island and all our peoples and communities will be central to the discussion.”

“The projects belongs to all of us who believe in it, and as is always the case, the impetus for great change must come from the grassroots.”

Mr Varadkar spoke about the changes in demographics in the North, and the momentum that was providing to those in favour of Irish unity.

The former Taoiseach said:

“The trends and time are on our side.”

“Demographics and opinion polls are not showing unification yet, but are moving in that direction.”

“We need to prepare for a border poll, both here in the north and in the south.”

“If people are just thinking about what is the best for their kids and grandkids, a united Ireland is a better proposition than 20 or years ago.”

He also spoke about the need for the Irish Government to begin to actively plan for a border poll and for Irish unity in this term of Government.

“Just saying it is an aspiration isn’t enough any more.”

“I have proposed the establishment of a forum for parties interested in talking about unity.”

“I hope at some point in the term of this Government, that decision will be taken.”

“There are people open to persuasion, who are there to be convinced.”