Independence on agenda at British-Irish Council

Saturday 23 June 2012

Martin McGuinness joined Alex Salmond at the British-Irish Council in Stirling yesterday.

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When asked whether Scottish independence would start a political drive for the unification of Ireland, Mr Salmond said: "I think the matter of Scottish independence is a matter for the people of Scotland to decide, and the future of Northern Ireland is something for the people of Northern Ireland to decide. I think that's the best way for politicians to look at things."

Others in attendance at the summit were Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson, Scottish Secretary Michael Moore, Republic of Ireland Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones and the heads of the administrations of the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.Mr Kenny said he was not going to get involved in the argument over the referendum on Scottish independence.In a nod to the key role Stirling Castle has played in Scotland's history, Mr Kenny suggested Mr Salmond may become part of that history, saying: "You never know, in 100 years maybe people will look back and say this is where Alex Salmond once held his meetings."Mr McGuinness stressed the need to improve Northern Ireland's economy to prevent young people who are not in education and employment from becoming "vulnerable to those very tiny opponents of the peace process who will attempt to use them against the peace process".

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Independence on agenda at British-Irish Council

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