Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA has said the Irish Government accepted the principle of consent as part of the Belfast Agreement, and that the test for calling a border poll is not Dublin's to rewrite, following the Taoiseach's comments that the criteria need to be discussed ahead of his meeting with the Prime Minister.

Jon Burrows said:

“The Taoiseach should stay in his lane and protect the Belfast Agreement, rather than echoing Sinn Féin's rhetoric about a border poll.

“The Irish Government signed up to the Agreement in full. As part of that settlement, it amended its constitution to remove its territorial claim to Northern Ireland and accepted the principle of consent: that it is the people of Northern Ireland who determine their constitutional future.

“The people of Northern Ireland want to remain within the United Kingdom, and there is no evidence that a majority wishes to leave. The Agreement is also clear that it is the Secretary of State who determines whether the statutory threshold for calling a border poll has been met. That test is not for the Irish Government to rewrite.

“In August, the Taoiseach was telling his own party to stop talking about a border poll and concentrate on practical cooperation. He was right then, and he should carry that approach into his meeting with the Prime Minister.

“The Belfast Agreement is a settlement, not a staging post. Treating every election, census and opinion poll as another step in a constitutional countdown weakens our institutions, delays investment and crowds out the ordinary business of government.

“Waiting lists, schools and our failing water infrastructure should be the priorities. I want a good relationship with the Irish Government, and there is much we can usefully do together. Reopening the principle of consent and the threshold that protects it is not on that list.”