The re-establishment of a hard border on the island of Ireland would be a step backwards and present an opportunity for others, with malign agendas, to exploit for destructive purposes.
I've always honestly and openly said I believe in a united Ireland, but the point was to try and get to a united Ireland without the violence.
But if republicans are to prevail, if the peace process is to be successfully concluded and Irish sovereignty and re-unification secured, then we have to set the agenda - no-one else is going to do that.
Unless people who voted for unionist parties are suddenly going to vote for a united Ireland, which I don't believe will happen, a border poll will be defeated.
There's never going to be a united Ireland, you know.
Only the political process offers the real prospect of a united Ireland at peace with itself.
I believe a united Ireland is inevitable. I have never put a date on it.
Every Irish person, good or bad, hates to see Ireland divided. But they differ profoundly as to how it should be united.
In my view, a united Ireland is inevitable, and it is certainly more likely than a voluntary coalition which doesn't include Sinn Fein.
