One of Sinn Fein's most senior politicians has said he could see a future where the Union Flag was flown from government buildings in the Republic.

Speaking this week, the party's finance spokesman and Donegal TD Pearse Doherty was discussing the need to accommodate unionism in a future united Ireland.

Read More

He told RTE's Irish language station Raidio na Gaeltachta he said he could see a day when the flag was flown at Leinster House alongside the Irish tricolour.

"We need a conversation about symbolism, for the million people who identify as British and who believe deeply in their identity," he said.

"It is important that those symbols are part of this new Ireland."

He said the issue was one which should be discussed by all parties in the Republic.

In recent months Sinn Fein has ramped up its campaign for a border poll on a united Ireland, with party leader Mary Lou McDonald emphasising the need for a poll within the next five years.

In July, former party president Gerry Adams called for a border poll to be held imminantly.

As part of its campaigning the party has emphasised the need to include unionism in a potential future united Ireland.

In an interview with Irish news website TheJournal.ie last month, Mrs McDonald said she would be open to discussions on Ireland rejoining the Commonwealth.

Expand Close Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald / Facebook

Twitter

Email

Whatsapp Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald

“You can hardly make that call and then say ‘we are not going to discuss any particular item’. And there are some people who think that rejoining the Commonwealth is a worthy proposition," she said.

“I think those that hold that view need to put that view forward, and I think it needs to be looked at, and debated, and it needs to be discussed."

Belfast Telegraph