(MENAFN) Ivana Bacik, leader of Ireland’s Labour Party, has called on both the Irish and UK governments to set a clear timeline for a referendum on Northern Ireland’s potential unification with the Republic of Ireland. Speaking at her party’s annual conference on Saturday, Bacik emphasized that while a vote should not be rushed, a definite schedule is necessary.

Under the Good Friday Agreement, a referendum must be held if the UK secretary of state believes a majority in Northern Ireland would support unification. However, the exact method for assessing this has never been specified.

Bacik joins a growing number of Irish politicians discussing a border poll. President Catherine Connolly previously expressed her support for Irish unity, while Alliance Party leader Naomi Long urged the Northern Ireland secretary to clarify criteria for calling a vote. Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also stressed the need for Dublin to begin preparations.

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