Northern Ireland

US congressman Richie Neal 'hopeful' of united Ireland in his lifetime

US Congressman Richie Neal
US Congressman Richie Neal US Congressman Richie Neal

Irish-American congressman Richie Neal has said he is "hopeful" there will be a united Ireland in his life-time.

In an online conversation with civic nationalist group, Ireland's Future, Mr Neal said an "energetic effort" was needed to convince unionists that they have nothing to fear from living in a united Ireland.

"We hope that convincing people of both traditions that economically, politically and substantively that it makes most sense for everybody," he said.

READ MORE: British government's 'inept' handling of north in Brexit negotiations 'has put united Ireland centre stage'Opens in new window ]

He said he has befriended former DUP Peter Robinson over the last few years.

"Peter Robinson over the last couple of years has said really encouraging things," he said. "I do regard him as a friend now... When people that you disagree with do the right thing we all need to say something."

Mr Neal told host Martina Devlin that people in Ireland "have to be ready" before dual referendums on a united Ireland. But he said Irish unity made sense.

"For many decades the argument was that the north was more prosperous... I don't think there's anyone who would make that argument any longer," he said.

"A confident Ireland is a great lesson for all."

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, and Congressman Richard Neal at the Derry/Donegal border last year. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, and Congressman Richard Neal at the Derry/Donegal border last year. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, and Congressman Richard Neal at the Derry/Donegal border last year. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

He said he was very "encouraged" by the Northern Ireland Protocol, agreed as part of Brexit negotiations, which will see Northern Ireland remain within the EU single market for goods.

He said that during a visit to Ireland last year with Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, he "made it clear to the Brexiteers over a very vigorous lunch that there would be no bi-lateral trade agreement (between the UK and US) if the Good Friday Agreement was disturbed".

Mr Neal, who counts Good Friday Agreement broker George Mitchell as a close friend, said: "We understand that America is a guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement".

He said he did not know when US president-elect Joe Biden will visit Ireland but: "You can be sure of this, he will."

Mr Neal said the future of Ireland still matters greatly to many Americans.

"For the American Irish they still look to Ireland as what provided sustenance in difficult times," he said.

"Their experience of leaving the island was very different than succeeding generations, but for many of us, including my mother's family, the Garveys (from the Dingle peninsula), or from my father's family in Co Down... Ireland has a great history of democratic values but they were also the victim of a great colonial undertaking."