Northern Ireland

Ireland’s Future: Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to be keynote speaker at first major US event

Leo Varadkar to speak at the event in Philadelphia, hosted by organisation campaigning for united Ireland

Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar said apologies could change hearts and minds
Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar speaking at a previous Ireland's Future event (Brian Lawless/PA)

Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will be the keynote speaker at the first major event in the US hosted by Ireland’s Future, an organisation working towards a united Ireland.

Ireland’s Future, which has organised major gatherings in Dublin and Belfast, has organised a gala dinner in Philadelphia in April.

Niall Murphy, the organisation’s secretary, said there is significant interest and excitement across Irish America in the period building up to the announcement of a border poll".

Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney outside the HIgh Court in Belfast yesterday with solicitor Niall Murphy Picture by Hugh Russell.
Niall Murphy, secretary of Ireland's Future

Under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, a border poll can be called by the UK Government if “it appears likely....that a majority of those voting would express a wish” for a united Ireland.

“Our organisation has been working hard with key figures from across Irish America and the new American administration allows us a chance to put our position in front of new faces and willing listeners,” Mr Murphy said.

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First Ireland's Future event in US to be held in Philadelphia
First Ireland's Future event in US to be held in Philadelphia

“We are delighted that we have developed relationships on a bipartisan basis and that whether they are Democrats or Republicans, those with an interest in Ireland’s Future are willing to assist and advance our work.



“The gala dinner will take place on Thursday 10th April in the prestigious Union League building in Philadelphia and we estimate around 500 people will attend.”

According to its website, Ireland’s Future “promotes the shared responsibility of delivering constitutional change”, supports “respectful political and civic dialogue” as it campaigns for a united Ireland.