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Gerry Adams: United Kingdom union hanging by a thread | Gerry Adams: United Kingdom union hanging by a thread |
(about 3 hours later) | |
The Sinn Féin president has claimed that the United Kingdom as a union of four countries is hanging by a thread. | The Sinn Féin president has claimed that the United Kingdom as a union of four countries is hanging by a thread. |
Gerry Adams made his comments as Prime Minister David Cameron urged the people of Scotland to vote to stay in the UK in September's independence referendum. | Gerry Adams made his comments as Prime Minister David Cameron urged the people of Scotland to vote to stay in the UK in September's independence referendum. |
Mr Adams said that the "so-called United Kingdom" was held together by a thread that could be unravelled by referenda in Scotland and Ireland. | Mr Adams said that the "so-called United Kingdom" was held together by a thread that could be unravelled by referenda in Scotland and Ireland. |
He was speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Inside Politics programme. | He was speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Inside Politics programme. |
Mr Adams said that the referendum vote was a "matter for the people of Scotland", and added that his party had "stayed out of the debate". | Mr Adams said that the referendum vote was a "matter for the people of Scotland", and added that his party had "stayed out of the debate". |
His comments came as Sinn Féin activists gathered for the party's annual conference (ard fheis) in Wexford. | His comments came as Sinn Féin activists gathered for the party's annual conference (ard fheis) in Wexford. |
Mr Cameron used a speech in England to campaign against Scottish independence. | Mr Cameron used a speech in England to campaign against Scottish independence. |
Knock-on effects | Knock-on effects |
Speaking at the Olympic stadium in London, he said: "This speech is addressed not to the people of Scotland, but to the people of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We would be deeply diminished without Scotland." | Speaking at the Olympic stadium in London, he said: "This speech is addressed not to the people of Scotland, but to the people of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We would be deeply diminished without Scotland." |
Ahead of the 18 September vote a number of unionists from Northern Ireland have indicated they would be prepared to travel to Scotland to campaign against independence. | Ahead of the 18 September vote a number of unionists from Northern Ireland have indicated they would be prepared to travel to Scotland to campaign against independence. |
It is clear the vote worries unionists, who are concerned about the knock-on effects for Northern Ireland. | It is clear the vote worries unionists, who are concerned about the knock-on effects for Northern Ireland. |
Speaking in Westminster earlier this week, DUP MP Ian Paisley Jr said that a "division in this wonderful union" would have "an unnerving and unsettling effect". | Speaking in Westminster earlier this week, DUP MP Ian Paisley Jr said that a "division in this wonderful union" would have "an unnerving and unsettling effect". |
The North Antrim MP added that a 'yes' vote would "get the tails up of Irish republicans", and would "drive another wedge into the hearts and souls of people in Ulster". | The North Antrim MP added that a 'yes' vote would "get the tails up of Irish republicans", and would "drive another wedge into the hearts and souls of people in Ulster". |
About four million people over the age of 16 and living in Scotland will be able to take part in the referendum. | About four million people over the age of 16 and living in Scotland will be able to take part in the referendum. |
Meanwhile, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness told conference delegates on Friday that agreement should be reached now on flags, parades and the past. | |
Mr McGuinness said he believed "sensible people within unionism" needed to "break free of the naysayers, and lead from the front". | |
Ard fheis delegates also heard party chairman Declan Kearney call for an end to personal criticism of Mr Adams. | |
"Let me say this: the relentless campaign of vilification against the republican leadership, and specifically Gerry Adams in this state, is a disgrace, and should stop immediately," he said. | |
Inside Politics is repeated on Sunday 9 February at 12:03 GMT, and is available to listen to on the BBC's iPlayer. | Inside Politics is repeated on Sunday 9 February at 12:03 GMT, and is available to listen to on the BBC's iPlayer. |