'Scotland will vote no' - Robinson

Published Saturday, 08 September 2012

First Minister Peter Robinson has predicted Scotland will not vote for independence following the referendum in 2014.

Mr Robinson predicts the outcome of the poll. (© Pacemaker)

Speaking at the British-Irish Association Conference in Oxford, the DUP leader added that Northern Ireland would still "desire to maintain the link with England and Wales" in the event of Scotland leaving the United Kingdom.

"Having cautioned against making predictions, I can't resist making just one: I don't believe Scotland will vote for independence," said Mr Robinson.

"Polling - which I recognise is not an exact science - is presently showing a clear majority of people in Scotland wish to remain within the Union.

"This will be put to the test after a two year debate and who can with certainty say how the campaign may impact on peoples' opinions."

The Stormont leader said many people in NI have greater "social and historic bonds" with Scotland than they do with England.

However he continued: "I am confident that even if Scotland were to vote for independence it would not alter Northern Ireland's desire to maintain the link with England and Wales.

"After all, if the exodus of the twenty six counties to our south and west in the early part of the last century did not alter our desire to be a part of the United Kingdom, then I doubt that Scotland's departure would do so today.

"I admire the electoral success of the SNP, but I do not believe that this support will translate into support for an independent Scotland anymore than support for an Irish nationalist or republican party automatically means support for a united Ireland.

"An SNP Government of an independent Scotland would face very different challenges than it does running a devolved administration."

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has previously said local politicians should "stay clear" of the debate over Scottish independence.

Comments

20 Comments

Matty in Newry Ireland wrote (255 days ago):

I hope the Scots make a go for it. I support Irish unification and feel countries need to rule themselves. All of Ireland as well as Scotland need to be free from English rule. The "UK" simply makes England look beigger and more important on the world stage.

jack in belfast wrote (255 days ago):

This would be the most hilarious thing ever if Scotland voted for independance. So much for "loyal" Scotland! Perosnally, I would hope that direct rule would be re-established. A central government for the United Kingdom of Southern Britain and Northern Ireland, or a better name would be the United KIngdom of England, Northern Ireland and Wales. I cant stand the policies of the NI Executive. Each year the contrast in laws is starker and starker. The conservatism in NI politics is breath takingly out of touch with my youthful generation.

RJ in Kilrea wrote (256 days ago):

I Think the First Minister should leave it to the Scottish people to decide their own future free from outside interference, it won't Botter me one way or the out if Scotland decide independence, Union, Being a State of America or dropping into the Irish Sea but the Decision should be for Scotland alone, I Congradulate the D.F.M For not getting involved in the matter unlike the FM.

Brian in Belfast wrote (257 days ago):

Peter Robinson and the rest of the clowns at Stormont are doing a bad enough job of running NI so why is he poking his nose into Scottish affairs? Remember Peter what the DUP always told the Republic of Ireland.

Seán in Newcastle wrote (257 days ago):

If the Scots gain independence, will the Scottish flag that is flown at parades and in Unionist communities, be viewed as a foreign flag and negated?

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