SIMON Harris dropped a surprise on all of us two weeks ago with the announcement that Fine Gael would produce a blueprint on Irish unification by its next ard fheis, due in November.

Facilitated by Ulster University Professor Deirdre Heenan, it aims to provide more definition and structure to the party’s ideas on Irish unity.

Announcements like this are always welcome, and having Deirdre as a key part is a positive sign that they are taking this initiative seriously.

However, for the tánaiste, New Irelanders will have a simple ask: Simon, please do not let this be another false dawn.

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We have received a number of pledges from parties in the Republic supporting a New Ireland, suggesting initiatives and policies are ready to be developed and presented.

In 2017, Fianna Fáil pledged a white paper on Irish unity, which never materialised.

Typically, in the summer, we do hear comments from party leaders reflecting on Irish unification, but when the “silly season” is over,........

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