The nationalist parties had argued that the whole of Ireland should be allowed to vote in the referendum and the government's rejection of the proposal was the main reason for the boycott, which was supported by all the nationalist parties. The unionist parties supported the 'Yes' vote, as did the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland Labour Party.
Results
The vote resulted in an overwhelming majority for the Unionist side, due to the nationalist boycott, which meant the turnout was only 58.1%. The electorate were asked to indicate: '1.Do you want NI to remain part of the UK?
Or
2. Do you want NI to be joined with the Republic of Ireland, outside of the UK?'
Option 1 votes
Option 1 votes (%)
Option 2 votes
Option 2 (%)
Turnout (%)
591,820
98.9
6,463
1.1
58.1
Despite the boycott, the UK option received the support of 57.5% of the total electorate.
Government response
No action was taken, as the results were in favour of remaining part of the UK.
Ireland believes that it is in the best interests of this country and of others to foster ties with international partners and establish a peaceful working relationship based on respect, tolerance and the United Nations principles of democracy and human rights.
Ireland has played an active role in the United Nations since its membership in 1955, chiefly in its contribution to peace-keeping missions around the world and its support for UN agencies concerned with development and human rights.
Ireland acknowledges that all nations are inter-dependant and acknowledges its duty to contribute to the progress of developing countries for the benefit of the world as a whole.
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