The Sinn Fein president said the Irish Government must start ‘detailed work’ preparing for Irish unity.

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said a Reform UK government could hasten the timeline for calling referenda on reunification.

The Tanaiste’s comments came after Fine Gael candidate for the Irish presidency suggested a Stormont parliament could be retained in a united Ireland.

Rival presidential candidate Catherine Connolly accused the Government of not doing enough to plan for constitutional change on the island

Mary Lou McDonald said the incoming government in Dublin must also take ‘urgent’ steps to start planning for unity