LONDON, May 22 (Xinhua) -- A call for a referendum within five years on the re-unification of Ireland emerged as a key aim in the British general election manifesto published Monday by the pro-Republican political party, Sinn Fein.
Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, has been separated from the Republic of Ireland for almost a century.
The Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill said, launching the manifesto, ending partition of the island had gained a new urgency following the Brexit vote last June when a majority of people in Northern Ireland voted for Britain to remain part of the European Union.
When Britain leaves the bloc in about two years, the border between the Northern Ireland and the neighboring republic will be the only land border with the EU on British soil.
O'Neill launched the manifesto in Dungannon, County Tyrone, describing the June 8 election for seats in the Westminster parliament as the most important election for Northern Ireland in a lifetime.
Sinn Fein had four MPs in the recently dissolved British parliament, although none of the politicians took up their places at Westminster. However they remain as MPs.
O'Neill said: "This is very much about taking an anti-Brexit stance. The fact that so many people are engaged in politics, it all bodes well."
Sinn Fein also said Northern Ireland should enjoy designated special status within the EU after Britain's exit.
The manifesto said: "Sinn Fein believes there should be a referendum vote on Irish unity within the next five years. The imposition of Brexit and cuts from the Conservatives demonstrates the unjust and undemocratic nature of partition and the union. Ending partition has now taken on a new dynamic following the Brexit referendum."
Last June, the people of Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU by a majority of 56 percent to 44 percent. Scotland also voted to remain in the EU. But across the whole of Britain, the final vote showed 52 percent to 48 percent in favor of leaving.
Talks between Sinn Fein and the other political parties in Northern Ireland will resume after the general election to seek a way of re-establishing the collapsed devolved assembly in the region.
In the recent assembly elections, Sinn Fein made significant gains, leaving them just one seat behind the leading party, the pro-union Democratic Unionist Party.
