The Minister for Social Protection was speaking in Glasnevin cemetery at a commemoration for Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith on Sunday.
Leo Varadkar says that he expects to see a united Ireland at some point in the future, but insisted that it would not be achieved through, “assimilation or the crude majoritarianism in a border poll.”
The Journal reports Varadkar as saying, “I share the vision of An Taoiseach that foresees a united Ireland at some point in the future, and I share his belief in how it should be achieved.”
The Minister for Social Protection said that a united Ireland could only be achieved through ‘respect and consent,’ with the Taoiseach previously inviting a border poll as part of the United Kingdom’s forthcoming exit from the European Union.
“The only way we will achieve real unity is by respecting the different traditions, identities and values on this island, not by trying to obliterate them.
“It was easy for some to jump on the Brexit result, and use it to make a land-grab for Northern Ireland. And it was counterproductive.”
Speaking about taxation and Ireland’s economy, Varadkar also warned that Brexit will pose significant challenges to Ireland’s recovery.
“Brexit complicates matters considerably for this country, and we have to be prepared for a period of uncertainty before it is settled,” he added.
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