However, First Minister Michelle O’Neill has reiterated Sinn Fein’s call for a border poll by 2030, stating she could envisage a vote happening while she is in post. The DUP’s Ms Little-Pengelly and Ms O’Neill were asked about Irish unity during separate interviews on the Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme on Sky News. Ms Little-Pengelly said she believed the “best future” for Northern Ireland, as well as Scotland and Wales, was within the United Kingdom. “That doesn’t exist in Northern Ireland.”First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she wanted to see a border poll by 2030 (Liam McBurney/PA)Ms O’Neill said she “absolutely” could imagine a border poll while she is First Minister. “That’s the prize I’m reaching for.”Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin has previously said he is not planning for a border poll by 2030.

Source: The Herald February 01, 2026 14:57 UTC