SINN FÉIN says it will call for a referendum on Irish reunification in the event of a vote for a British exit from the European Union (“Brexit”) and mooted the idea of a transitional arrangements which could include continued devolution in Belfast within a united Ireland.

Sinn Féin's Matt Carthy MEP says a decision by Britain to leave the EU would create a “democratic imperative” for a referendum on Irish reunification.

The republican party has voiced its concerns at the economic impact a Brexit would have for Ireland, north and south, and says Britain cannot be allowed impose an EU withdrawal on the people of the North of Ireland.

The comments come as the Scottish National Party made it clear that a British exit would prompt another independence vote in Scotland.

Speaking at a conference in the Corrymeela Centre in Ballycastle, County Antrim, the Midlands North West MEP also outlined how a reunited Ireland may include “transitional arrangements which could perhaps mean continued devolution to Belfast within an all-Ireland structure”.

“The only type of united Ireland that interests me in is one that is agreed,” he said “inclusive, pluralist and which is constructed by all our citizens, from whatever background or tradition.”

Matt Carthy said a reunited Ireland would require the support of a significant section of the unionist community and a referendum on unity should not be seen as a threat to any section of the community.

“Sinn Féin's commitment to pursuing a unity referendum merely underlines our firm resolve to end Partition peacefully, democratically and by agreement. In any referendum campaign we would seek to convince people of the economic, social and political potential of reunification,” he said.