The Ulster Unionist Party notes that only one in four of Northern Ireland’s population can be regarded as unambiguously in favour of a United Ireland, given only 25% described themselves as “Irish” in the 2011 census.
Party Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, said: “Others may linger on the statistical analysis of religious beliefs, but we are a political party, and what matters to us is the strength of support for the Union.’
“This census suggests strong backing, between those who declare singularly as British and those who prefer to be called Northern Irish. This new large Northern Irish block, are clearly comfortable with the constitutional status quo, which sees the country remaining within the United Kingdom.’
“This is great news for our younger people. A generation ago, coming from Northern Ireland during the Troubles was often a form of social stigma. Today it is more of a badge of honour, attracting not repelling interest among fellow Britons and the international community.”