Nicola Sturgeon spoke at the Magheramorne Literary Festival in County Antrim on Sunday. The former Scottish first minister stated the United Kingdom in its current form no longer functions. She indicated a united Ireland could occur within 20 years.

Sturgeon noted she previously expected Scottish independence first but now considers Irish reunification might precede it. She pointed to recent elections in Scotland and Wales where nationalists gained leadership alongside Sinn Féin in Northern Ireland. She suggested England could develop a different nationalist leadership that might fracture the UK.

She argued the four UK nations might relate better with more equal governance. Sturgeon referenced British Irish Council summits attended by Irish and UK governments plus leaders from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey. She said those participants would continue meeting even after changes.

Sturgeon predicted Scotland would achieve independence within 20 years. She foresaw Wales gaining more autonomy or independence. She viewed Irish reunification as a reasonable prospect.

During the event, she discussed her Northern Irish ancestry. Sturgeon said her great-great-grandparents came from Killinchy in County Down.

She described a positive relationship with Martin McGuinness, former IRA leader and deputy first minister. Sturgeon recalled him as friendly and kind during their interactions at British Irish Council meetings. She noted speaking with him by phone before his death.