SCOTLAND'S anti-independence campaign is considering using the slogan "stronger together, weaker apart" in the battle for votes ahead of the 2014 referendum.
Coalition sources last night admitted the phrase is a strong option after the use of the word "union" was ruled out due partly to its negative associations with west of Scotland and Ulster politics.
Pro-UK sources believe their proposed motto encapsulates the basic argument of why Scots should vote for Scotland to remain part of the UK.
As further details of the campaign emerged, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore yesterday refused to be drawn on the date of the launch, expected in June.
It is thought the cross-party organising committee will make a final decision on the slogan in the next two weeks, to allow time for literature to be printed.
Coalition sources have made it clear they were "underwhelmed" by the pro-independence campaign launch.
They insist the pro-UK campaign will be more uplifting, detailed and have a broader range of voices from across Scotland, including those from business, arguing why the nation should remain within the United Kingdom.
The main thrust of the message is expected to focus on Scots' pockets and insist that, particularly in uncertain economic times, Scotland would be much better off staying within the larger UK.
Last night, Labour seized on comments by a former Irish prime minister which they said proved that Scotland would be weaker apart – retaining sterling but at the mercy of economic policies set in London.
John Bruton said when Ireland's currency had been pegged to the pound, between 1928 and 1979, "interest rate policy was determined in London without any Irish input and we went up and down with the fortunes of whatever suited the British economy".
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