Sinn Féin call for Citizens' Assembly on unity after Census results in North

More people from Catholic background than Protestant for first time in the North

Census figures which reflect a greater number of Catholics in the North than Protestants have led to calls for the Irish government to make plans for unity.

The Census 2021 figures published today show that 45.7% of people described themselves as either Catholic or brought up Catholic is 45.7% compared to 43.48% Protestant.

When asked about national identity, 31.9% said they had a British-only identity, while 29.1% said Irish-only and 19.8% said Northern Irish-only.

Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said the 2021 Census results indicate that 'historic change is happening’ and said preparations and dialogue on building a better future should begin now.

“Today‘s census results are another clear indication that historic change is happening across this island and of the diversity of society which enriches us all," said the the North Belfast MP. “There is no doubt change is underway and irreversible. How that change is shaped moving forward requires maturity to take the challenges which face our society.

“We can all be part of shaping a better future; a new constitutional future and a new Ireland."

As part of preparations he urged the Irish government establish a Citizens’ Assembly to plan for the possibility of a Unity referendum.

“A period of planning is critical. That planning, and dialogue, and engagement needs to happen now and it must include people from all backgrounds and communities.

“The partition of Ireland has been a failure. We can build a better future together, for every person who lives on this island.”

Aontú Leader and Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín TD agreed the results were “hugely significant".

“This comes on the back of significant political change also. The last few elections have seen political Unionism become a minority in elections for Stormont and Westminster. Brexit has turbo boosted the desire for Irish Unity amongst a larger number of people in the north," said Deputy Tóibín.

“We need to reform the northern political institutions now to prevent the democratic institutions being held to ransom again. We also need a referendum in the next five years to allow citizens choose a pluralist, democratic all Ireland Republic."