Sinn Féin calls for border poll on Irish unity

Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has called for a border poll on Irish unity.

He said things would never be the same again for Scotland or elsewhere following the referendum.

Mr McGuinness said: “I believe we could do that without opening up divisions which would be detrimental to the institutions.”

Democratic Unionist First Minister Peter Robinson said a poll is not necessary.

He added: “More and more people in Northern Ireland want to maintain the status quo.”

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach has been urged to take an “active role” in any talks on the future of the institutions in the North which are likely to be prompted after more powers were promised for the Scottish parliament.

British Prime Minister David Cameron promised a debate on devolution — which could set the scene for talks on the status of the Northern assembly and executive.

Sinn Féin also called for full fiscal powers to be transferred to the administration in the North.

“The imposition of Tory welfare cuts on the people of Scotland was an issue in the referendum. There is a need for the administrations in Scotland and the North to have full control over these matters and protect the most vulnerable in society,” Gerry Adams said.

“Sinn Féin is up to the challenge of using the full suite of fiscal powers to grow the economy and reinvest in our people, our enterprises and in our public services.”

Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, said the Scottish vote will lead to “a substantial change in the balance of powers within the United Kingdom” with Scotland, Wales and England likely to get new powers.

“Clearly the powers and role of the Northern Assembly and Executive are also up for discussion,” he said.

“I am calling on the Taoiseach to immediately make a statement confirming that the Irish government will be a full participant in discussions about changes to the status and powers of the Northern Assembly and Executive.”

The Taoiseach said any changes to the devolution of powers will be “closely followed”.

He said the commitment to the Good Friday Agreement “and to partnership, equality and mutual respect, today stands more firm than ever.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Charlie Flanagan said Ireland had been a “neutral neighbour” throughout the Scottish campaign.

The minister said he did not believe that more devolution — which could include changes to corporation tax in the North — would damage prospects of attracting more foreign direct investment into the South.

“The final analysis of any devolution of further powers — whether on the matter of corporation tax or any other matter — will primarily be for discussion between the Northern Irish Executive and the British Government within the framework of the Good Friday Agreement.”