Campbell dismissesborder poll calls

Mr Campbell said: “Now is a time for calm and I think the Taoiseach and the Irish Government need to respect the decision of the UK.

“The Taoiseach would be best to focus on his own problems. We have no interest in becoming embroiled in internal Irish politics, as Fine Gael try to respond to Fianna Fail.

“More heat than light at moment will not help the situation. We need to move forward to get the best deal for Northern Ireland and that includes talking to both Brussels and Westminster, and to the Irish Government where the cross border element is relevant.

“The UK government has made its position clear on a border poll - consistent with previous agreements. The new Prime Minister noted in her speech outside 10 Downing Street that she believed in the Union and now is the time for all to work constructively to get the best solution.”

Whilst the SDLP is on record as saying now is not the time for a border poll, Foyle MP Mark Durkan, has warned that Brexit risks tearing up sections of the historic Belfast Agreement peace accord by leading the United Kingdom out of the European Union.

The Belfast Agreement, which was endorsed by 71.1 per cent of the electorate in Northern Ireland and 94.39 per cent in the Republic of Ireland, is most famous for helping establish a lasting peace on the island, however, it’s also explicit in its references to the European Union.

London and Dublin, for example, signed the agreement due to their joint desire of “developing still further the unique relationship between their peoples and the close co-operation between their countries as friendly neighbours and as partners in the European Union”.