A referendum on Irish unity has been described as a “very real prospect” within the next few years.
The comments come as the chances of a no-deal Brexit edge closer.
Sinn Fein’s Vice President, Michelle O’Neill, said on Sunday: “People who were previously apathetic about a United Ireland are re-engaged, and people who would have been opposed to a United Ireland are now reconsidering their position.
“There is no doubt that Brexit has been a catalyst for mainstreaming the debate now underway, where people of all shades of opinion are considering the benefits of remaining within the United Kingdom against the merits of staying within the European Union through a unified Ireland.
“What Brexit means – Deal or No Deal - is that a United Ireland is no longer a long-term aim.”
Irish unity debate 'on the horizon' due to Brexit, says Mary McAleese
Ms O’Neill spoke at the launch of the party’s local election campaign in Co Dublin: “A referendum on Irish unity is a very real prospect within the next short number of years.
“A United Ireland is within our grasp. We are in the most defining period since the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 and Ireland is changing rapidly.
“There will be a unity referendum and we need to prepare for it, and to win it we need to reach out and work with people from all identities, and ideologies, and persuade them that their interests are best served in a United Ireland.”
DUP urges Theresa May to return to EU and demand Northern Ireland backstop changes
