Mr Coveney's comments come after census figures showed Catholics outnumber Protestants in Northern Ireland for the first time since the partition of the island
The priority in Northern Ireland must be on mending relationships and not planning for a border poll, Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister has said.
Mr Coveney said nobody involved in the politics of Northern Ireland who has seen "how things are changing were surprised by that census result". "At the moment there is a huge problem with trust in Northern Ireland, between different political parties and between parties and the two governments. And those relationships have got to be mended. And then of course, we have to plan for the future."
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald previously said a referendum on a united Ireland could be held within the next five to 10 years. Asked if he believes a border poll is likely in the next 10 years, Mr Doherty claimed there is a "desire" for constitutional change.
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