LONDON, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin is set to consider reunification with Northern Ireland through the establishment of a new government body, the Irish Times reported Friday.
The initiative would mark the first time the Irish government has undertaken research and preparations for potential reunification, while also considering alternatives under which Northern Ireland would remain part of the United Kingdom (UK), according to the newspaper.
The proposed body, likely to operate under the authority of the Department of the Taoiseach, would commission expert research into three scenarios: the creation of a unified Irish state encompassing all 32 counties on the island, the continuation of the current constitutional arrangements, and a united Ireland in which Northern Ireland would retain its own devolved assembly, government, civil service, public services and police.
The research would examine legal and constitutional implications, economic considerations and potential costs of reunification, as well as issues relating to healthcare, education, security, defense and national symbols.
Martin told The Irish Times that he intended to submit a proposal outlining the initial steps to the cabinet before Christmas.
The Irish PM stressed the importance of including different perspectives in discussions about the island's constitutional future, particularly those of unionists who favor Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK.
"They need to have their voice heard," he said, adding that unionists should be invited to participate in the discussions.
Under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the UK government is obliged to call a referendum on Irish reunification if it appears likely that a majority of voters in Northern Ireland would support it. ■