![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ef4fdebd-4ba5-48fa-bfc8-c69ed21897ca.jpg\")
Growth in a resurgent United Ireland would quickly replace British Government funding, Sinn F\u00e9in\u2019s deputy leader said.<\/p>\nGrowth in a resurgent United Ireland would quickly replace British Government funding, Sinn F\u00e9in\u2019s deputy leader said.<\/p>\n
Michelle O\u2019Neill said unity would add 2% to the debt of the island but predicted a sharp rise in living standards in Northern Ireland.<\/p>\n
Republicans believe Brexit and the prospect of Northern Ireland being taken out of the EU against the will of a majority in the referendum has revitalized their case for a united Ireland.<\/p>\n
The annual cash transfer from Great Britain for running public services in Northern Ireland was considerably smaller than widely estimated, at around \u00a39.2 billion a year, Sinn F\u00e9in\u2019s vice-president said.<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cI believe it is perfectly manageable and the benefits are substantial.\u201d<\/p>\n
Post-Brexit and over eight years, gross domestic product would receive a \u20ac25.5 billion boost, the Sinn F\u00e9in leader added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is a hugely significant figure in terms of the benefit that could be accrued.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd that growth would be released in a united Ireland.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would quickly wipe out the subvention and increase living standards across the island but particularly here in the north where our standards are lower.\u201d<\/p>\n
Today she addressed business leaders at a General Election hustings meeting organised by the Northern Ireland Chamber and hosted by BT in Belfast.<\/p>\n
Sinn F\u00e9in is aiming to defend its seats and win North Belfast.<\/p>\n
Its anti-Brexit candidate John Finucane, a lawyer, son of murdered solicitor Pat Finucane and Lord Mayor of Belfast, is bidding to unseat DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds.<\/p>\n
Mrs O\u2019Neill again urged the Government to convene an all-island forum on planning for unity, a measure Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said would be provocative.<\/p>\n
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly stressed his commitment to the constituent parts of the UK and the British Government has given no indication that any poll on unity is being considered.<\/p>\n
His proposed Brexit deal would involve new bureaucracy and checks on goods crossing the Irish Sea for firms in Northern Ireland to avoid any border on the island of Ireland.<\/p>\n