Reaction to the results of a poll on a united Ireland.
An opinion poll on a untied Ireland carried out by Irish Marketing Surveys and published in The Sunday Independent found that 37 per cent of those surveyed in the Republic of Ireland do not see it happening at the moment.
Richie Ryan TD believes people need to be careful interpreting the poll. The question was not "Do you favour a united Ireland?" but rather "Do you think a united Ireland would be the best solution to the Northern problems?" Contrary to the results of the poll, Richie Ryan anticipates that an overwhelming majority would be in favour of a united Ireland as,
Something to be achieved in the long term through harmonious cooperation between all the people on this island.
Richie Ryan said that during the recent general election campaign, the people had indicated their belief all political parties must recognise the conflicting views of the two communities in Northern Ireland and come up with a formula that respects both sides.
Paddy Devlin, of the SDLP, says that the question on a united Ireland set out in the forthcoming referendum in Northern Ireland has been set out in a "ham-handed" way and is therefore irrelevant. As a result, the SDLP will not be participating in the vote.
It's simply asked in a bad way. "Do you agree to join a united Ireland?
A referendum was held in Northern Ireland on 8 March 1973 on whether Northern Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom or join the Republic of Ireland in a united Ireland.
This was the first time a referendum was held in any part of the UK. The referendum was boycotted by nationalists and resulted in a overwhelming 98.9 per cent voting to remain in the UK.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 4 March 1973. The reporters are John McAleese and John Howard.
