WATCH: Arlene Foster says border poll would be 'absolutely reckless'

By PA and Q Radio News

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster has said a border poll on a united Ireland would be “absolutely reckless” at this time.

A new poll has found a majority of people in Northern Ireland would like to see a referendum on the reunification of Ireland within the next five years.

Speaking on Sky’s Sophy Ridge On Sunday, the DUP leader said it was “very disappointing” to see some nationalist parties across the UK during a time of national crisis trying to take the opportunity to talk about constitutional politics.

“We all know how divisive a border poll would be,” Ms Foster said.

“For us in Northern Ireland what we have to do is all come together to fight against Covid and not be distracted by what would be absolutely reckless at this time.”

Good to speak with ⁦⁦@RidgeOnSunday⁩ from a snowy Fermanagh.

At a time when people are working night & day to save lives & livelihoods, it is reckless for others to be focused on a divisive border poll.

Lets work together to get Northern Ireland through this pandemic. pic.twitter.com/zljj570xrU

— Arlene Foster #WeWillMeetAgain (@DUPleader) January 24, 2021

The Sunday Times commissioned a series of surveys across the four nations of the United Kingdom to gauge attitudes towards the Union.

The findings highlight some of the difficulties facing Boris Johnson as he struggles to keep the country together following its departure from the European Union.

In Scotland, the poll found 49% backed independence compared to 44% against – a margin of 52% to 48% if the undecideds are excluded.

In Northern Ireland, 47% still want to remain in the UK, with 42% in favour of a United Ireland and a significant proportion – 11% – undecided.

However, asked if they supported a referendum on a United Ireland within the next five years, 51% said yes compared to 44% who were against.

In Wales, where support for independence is traditionally weakest, 23% still backed leaving the UK while 31% supported a referendum.

Across all four nations, more voters expected Scotland to be out of the UK within 10 years than thought it would still remain.

In England, the margin was 49% to 19%, in Northern Ireland it was 60% to 28%, in Wales 49% to 23% and in Scotland itself 49% to 30%.

With crucial elections to the Scottish Parliament coming up in May, the poll found the SNP way ahead on 70% – up seven points since the last elections in 2016 – while the Tories were down six points on 25%, with Labour down five points on 19%. 

Over 50% of people here support a referendum on unity in the next five years

There is an unstoppable conversation underway on our constitutional future

It is time for the Irish Government to step up preparations

We can overcome the barriers of partition and build a new Ireland

— Michelle O’Neill (@moneillsf) January 23, 2021

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said there is an “unstoppable” conversation under way on the future of Northern Ireland.

The Sinn Fein politician tweeted: “Over 50% of people here support a referendum on unity in the next five years. There is an unstoppable conversation under way on our constitutional future.

“It is time for the Irish Government to step up preparations. We can overcome the barriers of partition and build a new Ireland.”

But Ms Foster argued most people in Northern Ireland want politicians to “settle down” and deal with the pandemic, not discuss a border poll.

“We only came back into devolution after three years out of devolution in January last year and then we came into the pandemic in March,” she said.

“Therefore we need to get on with all of the things that matter to everybody in their everyday lives. That’s what I’m focused on and that’s what everyone should be focused on.”