Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I hope we can have a discussion about the report in respect of the bill of rights when I next have an opportunity to talk to the leaders in Northern Ireland. In regard to the Border poll, I have listened to the Deputy's comments and to those of the Minister, Ms Arlene Foster MLA. I think she might have a slightly different view from that of the Deputy. This is clearly a matter that is enshrined in the Good Friday Agreement, but it is a case of whether the British Government decides to have a Border poll. I do not believe now is the time to do it and that is not to be in any way not confident about what we have to do. It is very important that in the Twenty-six Counties we deal with our problems in a way that we can concentrate and prove that people working with Government, with assistance from our European colleagues, can actually right this ship, as it were, to a point where we can know with clarity that we are proceeding on a voyage of future prosperity and opportunity for our people, and clearly there are challenges ahead for our people here.

In respect of the Six Counties, Northern Ireland, I think what the Minister, Ms Foster MLA, said was that Sinn Féin should be careful of what it wishes for, because it might happen. Our view, obviously, is that a Border poll at this stage would be carried in a slightly different direction than the Deputy might wish.

See this speech in context