Former President Mary McAleese reckons the impact of Brexit on the North may start the conversation about a united Ireland.

The Government has previously said that a partition referendum would not be on it's agenda for at least five years.

McAleese told Newstalk Breakfast  that a united Ireland is needed for the island to reach its full potential.

To debate whether a united Ireland is a realistic prospect yet, Kieran was joined on Friday's edition of The Hard Shoulder by author and journalist Kevin Myers, and Senator Gerard Craughwell.