Dr Farry stated:
“The last thing that Northern Ireland needs is a ‘border poll’.
“It is beggars belief that the SDLP would argue on the on hand that Northern Ireland needs stability, and on the other hand that, once a stable executive is in place, there should be a ‘border poll’ which would destabilise Northern Ireland.
“At a time when the emphasis needs to be on partnership within Northern Ireland and creating a shared future, a ‘border poll’ would be hugely polarising. It would only serve to further entrench division.
“Alliance respects the right of the people of Northern Ireland to determine their own constitutional status. But there is no reason in having a ‘border poll’ unless there is clear indication of a potentially different outcome from the status quo. A ‘border poll’ is more than a pointless headcount, it risks setting back the prospects of political progress.”
ENDS