Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland), has expressed caution to UK government ministers about possible changes to the terms of a referendum concerning Irish unity. This comes in the wake of Northern Ireland Office Minister Steve Baker’s reported comments suggesting that such a vote would need a “super-majority” to be successful. As it stands, a simple majority (50% plus one) is required for the referendum to pass.
Mr. Martin, in a discussion with BBC News NI, stated that there is no room for impromptu modifications to agreements. He stressed that setting new standards such as 60% or 70% for the referendum is not feasible as referendums are referendums. He further emphasised that these are critical constitutional changes backed by the island’s populace and shouldn’t be dismissed casually.
The Good Friday peace agreement of 1998 states that the constitutional status of Northern Ireland cannot be altered without the consent of its majority. This week, Mr. Baker expressed his belief in the necessity of a super-majority for a united Ireland, citing the UK’s experience with the Brexit referendum.
Despite his support for the Leave Campaign in the Brexit referendum, Mr Baker has since expressed regret that the vote did not require 60% support from voters. His proposal, however, has been criticised by SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, who argued against “changing the goalposts” on the level of support required for a vote on Irish unity to pass.
Furthermore, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has downplayed Mr. Baker’s proposal, stating that it doesn’t indicate a change in government policy.
In his appearance on BBC News NI’s Sunday Politics programme, Mr. Martin encouraged politicians to concentrate on “practical things” instead of engaging in debates about super-majorities. He recalled the 70% or more support for the Good Friday Agreement referendum and underscored the importance of focusing on the evolving situation. He questioned why discussions often revolve around super-majorities when the public wants politicians to concentrate on practical solutions that enhance their daily lives.
