THE LEADER OF Sinn Féin Gerry Adams first reacted to the Scottish referendum result with one poignant tweet.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland this morning he said on a “personal level” he was disappointed with the outcome.
Adams said the campaign debate was “inspiring” adding that Ireland too has a right to a referendum, which he said Sinn Féin has been arguing for a debate on for some time.
He said he believed the centenary of Home Rule, as well of the 1916 celebrations could push the issue forward, saying that he believed the campaign in Scotland will also “accelerate” it.
Ireland
They [Scotland] had the opportunity to do it, the people of Ireland were never given that opportunity…
He said that “we cant redo history” but said there is a big lesson to be learned from the Scottish referendum.
Adams said they were “given the right to decide and determine their own future, there wasn’t, as you say bullets fired, had the people of Ireland been given that right a long time ago who knows what course our history might take”.
Adams said he found the Scottish campaign to be an “inspiring” debate, that was informed and inclusive. He also said that the turnout proved that it was a lively issue.
“The union has changed, it is no longer fixed or static,” said Adams.
“We should never lose sight of the fact that our people are divided and we now have the opportunity to democratically and peacefully reunite and set ourselves on a course for happiness and harmony across this small island,” said Adams, saying that the Scottish referendum was a “huge experiment” and one that could be replicated in other nations.
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