North awaits change in wake of Scottish No vote

Shockwaves from Scotland’s decisive rejection of independence look set to force a major constitutional upheaval in the North.

Scotland’s first minister Alex Salmond resigned in the wake of the clear 55% to 45% vote to keep the United Kingdom together, as British Prime Minister David Cameron signalled sweeping changes to the way England, Wales and Northern Ireland are governed as a result of the historic poll.

Glasgow and Dundee voted to leave the UK by big majorities, but overall Scotland decided against dissolving its 307-year union with England, with 2,001,926 votes against independence and 1,617,989 in favour.

Mr Cameron made it clear a “devolution revolution” would now have to be ushered in to balance out the extra powers offered to Scotland in a panicked reaction by the leaders of the three main Westminster parties when the Yes side surged ahead in opinion polls three weeks ago.

Calling for the UK to come together after the divisive poll, Mr Cameron said: “A vital part of that will be a balanced settlement, fair to people in Scotland and importantly to everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as well.”

The implications of the No vote were felt across the Irish Sea as Taoiseach Enda Kenny was urged to take an “active role” in any talks on the future of the institutions in the North, triggered by the promised granting of effective home rule to Edinburgh.

Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams renewed calls for a border poll to give the people of the North an opportunity to debate and vote on a united Ireland, as did the North’s deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, but first minister Peter Robinson said the people of Northern Ireland “want to maintain the status quo”.

Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin urged Mr Kenny to get closely involved in the constitutional shake-up set to be pushed through by Westminster by next January.

“The powers and role of the Northern Assembly and Executive are also up for discussion,” Mr Martin said.

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

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan 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 Republic.