“Appetite for constitutional change”? Look again Secretary of State.

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, who claimed that “nobody is arguing there is an appetite for constitutional change”, should take a close look at a recent Lucid Poll, published in the Belfast Telegraph (24th January 2026).

He might be surprised by yet further evidence of people’s appetite for a United Ireland – especially younger people in Northern Ireland.

Asked about which issues politicians should prioritise the 18-34 age group put ‘Unification with Ireland i.e. United Ireland’ (22%) in seventh position, behind core day-to-day issues (NI Health Service, Jobs, Cost of living, Transport, Housing, and Education), and 10% ahead of ‘Union with UK’ (12%), in thirteenth position.

 The younger generation in Northern Ireland are clearly in step with the representatives in the south of Ireland. In November last year,  the Irish Parliament voted for a Bill calling on the Irish Government to plan and prepare for a Border Poll.

 There is clearly an appetite for constitutional change in both the north and the south of Ireland.

 So, Mr Benn, people are talking and it’s time for you to listen to the Irish voice.

 Source: LucidTalk (LT) Jan 2026 • Poll period: 16-19 January 2026 • 2,975 responses.