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.
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.
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.
There's never going to be a united Ireland, you know.
I believe a united Ireland is inevitable. I have never put a date on it.
Only the political process offers the real prospect of a united Ireland at peace with itself.
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.
