No Plans For Border Poll - Villiers

Northern Ireland Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has said she has no plans to launch a border poll on the future of Northern Ireland.

Ms Villiers was speaking in the Commons following a Sinn Féin call for a referendum as to whether or not Northern Ireland should remain as part of the United Kingdom or become part of a 'united Ireland'.

The power to call a referendum lies with the Secretary of State, as agreed in the Good Friday Agreement.

But Ms Villiers emphasised instead the importance of proceeding with the 'shared future' vision for Northern Ireland.

The move follows a speech by Gerry Adams in Dublin on Saturday, in which the Sinn Féin leader called for a border poll to be held.

Mr Adams quoted the Good Friday Agreement, saying: "it is for the people of the island of Ireland alone, by agreement between the two parts respectively and without external impediment, to exercise their right of self-determination on the basis of consent, freely and concurrently given, North and South, to bring about a united Ireland, if that is their wish."

But the DUP have been quick to argue against such a referendum.

Fermanagh MLA Arlene Foster described the call for a border poll as "destabilising", saying such discussions "polarise the electorate".

"Northern Ireland currently receives a £10bn subvention from the Treasury," she argued.

"There has never been a rational argument put forward as to how this gap would be filled."

She continued: "If such a destabilising and polarising message continues to be pushed then we may call their bluff. We may put an end to this foolish talk once and for all.

"They should be careful what they wish for."

(IT)