Few would argue with the goal of achieving Irish unity by consent.

Opinion polls in the North also find little enthusiasm for Irish unity at the moment.

Clearly then the Labour Party's goal of Irish unity by consent is not going to be achieved overnight.

Irish unity is not the burning issue of everyday life in Ireland.

Although previously a supporter of Irish unity, he has since retreated from this position.

Meanwhile in certain instances there is already a degree of Irish unity.

The poll has been run 19 times between 1983 and 2007, with each result being in favour of Irish unity.

Will there ever be Irish unity?

I look forward to building support for the Irish peace process and Irish unity and independence.

In his analysis, the primary obstacle to Irish unity was the continuing division between the Protestant and Catholic working classes.