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The Shadow Chancellor, who 20 years ago had praised the IRA’s “bombs and bullets”, made the comments when asked about the current impasse that has brought Brexit negotiations to a halt.

While he said he wants to see a united Ireland, he said that he respects democracy and that he would only pursue this if Ulster votes for it.

When asked if a united Ireland would be a long-term solution that would help to avoid a hard border with Ireland, he said: "What a temptation. You know my background, I'm a republican - I long for a united Ireland but I recognise democracy.

“Ireland will not be united on the basis of some contortions around the issues with the EU - it will only be reunited on the basis of democracy and what the Irish people want and that is what I respect.”