Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe TD, has stated that despite victory for the no vote in Scotland’s independence referendum that some 1.6 million people still voted for independence and London must deliver on its promises for the devolution of more powers.

Deputy Crowe said:

“It was great to see such an engaging and passionate campaign in Scotland for this independence referendum.

“Some 1.6 million Scots voted for independence, and just over 2 million voted to remain part of Britain, but they also voted for a changed and radically different union after Westminster party leaders were forced to promise them the devolution of more powers towards the end of the campaign.

“They must stick to that undertaking and that will also include the transfer of full fiscal powers to the Northern Assembly.

“The voter turnout was over 85% which shows how engaging this debate really was and how people relished the opportunity to vote on this issue.

“People in Ireland also relish such a voting opportunity, as Ireland’s partition makes no economic or social sense, and duplicate services are encouraging inefficiencies.

“The Good Friday Agreement contains a provision for a Border Poll to be held and this needs to be acted on.

“A Border Poll could be used to promote discussion on the type of inclusive Ireland that could be achieved through unity.”

ENDS