The Northern Ireland referendum of 1973 was a referendum held in Northern Ireland only on March 8, 1973 on whether Northern Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom or join with the Republic of Ireland to form a United Ireland.

Party support

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?'

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.

See also

• Referendums in the United Kingdom
• Northern Ireland Assembly