COMMENTS made by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness on a possible united Ireland referendum within the next five years have been described as “unrealistic”.
DUP MLA Peter Weir said he believed that people will be able to celebrate the centenary of Northern Ireland in 2021 with the promise of another century within the United Kingdom.
“It is not surprising that Sinn Fein continues to campaign for a united Ireland but it is high time they realised that their campaign is unrealistic and failing to make progress,” said Mr Weir.
“Northern Ireland’s position in the Union has never been more secure.
“More and more people who would have been traditionally republican or nationalist voters now recognise that our economy is better served in the United Kingdom rather than in a united Ireland.
“Indeed, their economic policies are more aligned to the DUP than any of the nationalist parties.”
He said the province has been shielded from “some of the global downturn by being part of the fifth largest economy in the world”.
“I am confident that in 2021 Northern Ireland will celebrate its 100th anniversary as a State and will be setting ambitious plans for our next 100 years.”
In an interview with the Irish Examiner newspapers, Martin McGuinness said he would like to see a referendum held after the next election for Northern Ireland’s assembly, which is likely to happen either in 2015 or 2016.
“It could take place anytime between 2016 and 2020/21. I don’t see any reason whatsoever why that should not be considered,” the Mid Ulster MP said.