Ireland will set up a body to assess the prospects of a united Ireland

Prime Minister Micheál Martin says Dublin will, for the first time, research and prepare for a union with Northern Ireland. The body would study models and challenges for several possible outcomes.

"It's partisan, it's a one-sided advocacy approach," Martin said of the push for a border poll since Brexit.

— Micheál Martin

Under the 1998 Good Friday agreement, the British government must call a border poll if a majority of Northern Irish voters would likely back unity. Polls still favour staying in the UK, though the gap has narrowed.

What's next

Martin will bring the first steps to cabinet before the end of the year. Fine Gael is expected to publish a blueprint for a united island at its conference next week.