Ex-Speaker in border poll plan as SF chief says she still wants to meet Orange Order

Q Radio News

Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald says she's still keen to meet the Orange Order despite being snubbed by the organisation yesterday.

Officials rejected her offer to attend Twelfth of July celebrations saying an invite to a Republican leader would cause "further hurt and distress" to the families of Orangemen murdered by the IRA.

But Mrs. McDonald has told Q Radio she's not giving up just yet...

The Dublin TD also says she's hoping to meet the Duchess of Sussex when she visits Ireland next month...

Will new royal star be saying 'Hello Mary Lou' when she visits Republic next month? .@sinnfeinireland leader @MaryLouMcDonald tells @goQradio she's up for it & is a Meghan & @Suits_USA superfan! To be continued...@qnewsdesk am @KensingtonRoyal #HarryAndMeghan #RoyalVisitDublin pic.twitter.com/b0r9p42GJC

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 26, 2018

Mary Lou McDonald spoke to Q Radio at Queen's University after a lecture given by former Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker Mitchel McLaughlin.

He said the public appetite for a border poll should be tested in the 2021 census with people asked whether they support the status quo or favour a united Ireland.

The ex-Sinn Fein chairman also urged the parties to bring something new to negotiations and get the peace process back on track...

Former Assembly Speaker & @sinnfeinireland Chair Mitchel McLaughlin gives his 1st lecture as honorary Peace Studies professor @QUBelfast Proposes inclusion of question on Irish unity in 2021 Census, urges unionists to help shape new Ireland & calls for change to get Stormont back pic.twitter.com/f1DPYvq3QP

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 26, 2018

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