SINN Féin MEP Martina Anderson has said the European Union has a key role to play in assisting the transformation to Irish unity.
Martina Anderson said: “There is growing support for Irish unity across Ireland and the prospect of Brexit and a hard border has led many more people to realise that unity makes sense.
“I welcome the fact that Irish unity is now being discussed like never before both at home in Ireland and across Europe.
“Reports that the issue of the north automatically joining the EU in the event of a successful unity referendum will be raised at tomorrow’s European Council meeting are welcome.
“We want to see the entire island of Ireland within the EU and it is clear many others now share that view.
“Sinn Féin has also put forward a case for the north to secure designated special status within the EU in the event of Brexit.
“Sinn Féin is calling on the Taoiseach and the Irish government to make this case at the European Council meeting.”