Unionists can no longer ignore calls for a border poll

Refusing to discuss Irish unity no longer makes any sense for the DUP –talking about a united Ireland is not the same as supporting it

DUP leader Arlene Foster must address calls for a border poll. Picture: PA

Though the dust is settling on last week’s political tsunami and the scale of Sinn Féin’s seismic surge has become clear, translating this unprecedented mandate into a governing coalition has some way to go.

A number of scenarios have been mooted, including a further election, but at this early stage the outcome is too difficult to call. What is apparent is that the party has broken over a century of dominance by the establishment heavyweights ...