DEMAND for a border poll has topped the half-way mark in the North.

A poll reveals 51 per cent back a vote over the North’s place in the UK at some point in the next five years.

Sinn Fein leader in the North Michelle O'Neill backs both, a border poll and Irish langauge act

The Irish Sun survey, in conjunction with Belfast radio station U105, also shows 52.8 per cent endorse bringing in an Irish Language Act.

Both issues have been key sticking points between the DUP and Sinn Fein led in the North by Michelle O’Neill.

Our survey, conducted by LucidTalk, suggests that some unionists — certain of victory — are backing a border poll in order to shut down the issue.

A return to a hard border between the north and south of Ireland is a real concern for many due to Britain's upcoming withdrawl from the EU

Examining the support for a referendum on Northern Ireland’s constitutional future reveals that among Catholics, 75.8 per cent back a border poll while 16 per cent are against such a move.

Among Protestants, 26.3 per cent are for it while 68.3 per cent are against.

In terms of an Irish Language Act, 30.5 per cent of Protestants back the idea while 52 per cent are against it.

Among Catholics, a resounding 90 per cent want an Irish Language Act and four per cent oppose.

Overall, 51 per cent of people across Northern Ireland — in part due to a looming Brexit — back a border poll. Among all communities, 39.4 per cent oppose it.

Only 22.78 per cent oppose a the Irish Language Act.

DUP leader Arlene Foster said a border poll would be “destabilising on business and politics”.

Arlene Foster and her party, the DUP, would not be in favour of a border poll or a united Ireland

She said: “I have absolute confidence any border poll would see a resounding endorsement of the pro-union position.”

In February she ruled out an Irish Language Act as costly and unnecessary.

Since then, after negotiations on re-establishing power-sharing at Stormont, some said her position had softened.

Last month she visited Irish language students in Newry, Co Down, saying “go raibh maith agat”, as she left.

The DUP leader was also recently slammed for being sexist, over comments she made in relation to the Sinn Fein leader.