The Fine Gael leader said it is his and his party’s aspiration for there to be a united Ireland, but it is not a priority for him.

The UK Government is obliged to call a referendum in Northern Ireland if there is evidence of a shift in opinion in favour of Irish unity.

Speaking on the Occupied Territories Bill, Mr Mac Lochlainn criticised the Government for not implementing the bill before the general election.

Mr Varadkar will develop his thoughts in a speech in Derry on Thursday to a meeting of the SDLP’s New Ireland Commission.

The Taoiseach said it was more important for the British and Irish governments to support the powersharing institutions at Stormont.

The former taoiseach also said financial planning needs to start for a united Ireland

Daithí Doolan says he is not concerned by recent figures, and used the jump in support after the 2019 elections as an example.

Simon Harris is expected to become taoiseach this week.

Simon Harris is due to be appointed taoiseach on Tuesday.

The DUP gave the green light for the recall of the Stormont Assembly on the back of a deal with the British government

The end of the two-year Stormont blockage was signalled when DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson secured the backing of his party executive.

The Taoiseach said there is not enough talk to convince people in Northern Ireland “that a united Ireland would be a warm home for them”

The Northern Ireland Office minister and leading Brexiteer acknowledged the referendum would have failed under a supermajority.