"First and foremost it is up to the Scottish people to decide the future of Scotland.

"Scotland is not some far away country of which we know little but visible from our north and east coasts. The Scots are our neighbours with very real ties of blood, history and culture and we want them to choose to stay with us in the UK.

"Many Northern Ireland students attend or have attended Scottish Universities, and I myself was educated in Scotland University and served in the Army with Scottish troops. 

"The Union has been of huge benefit to Northern Ireland, Scotland (and the Scots) has/have flourished within the Union and can continue to do so. 

"Politically, economically and socially we are stronger together and better together.  Scots have made a huge contribution to British national life, both as individuals and a s a people. One only has to look at the long and distinguished list of political, business and military leaders who have flourished on the national and world stage, including Prime Ministers and Chancellors of the Exchequer. Clearly the Union has proven itself to be a vehicle which enables Scots to reach the peak of their chosen professions.

"As part of the sixth largest economy on the planet, Scotland as a whole - like Northern Ireland - has benefitted economically from the Union since its inception. The Union has cushioned us from economic shocks and we have shared from its economic successes.

"There are many unanswered questions about Independence which MUST be answered.

"What Currency will be used? How will Scotland fare economically if cut adrift from the fifth largest economy on the planet? What will happen with regard to prospects for EU membership for an independent Scotland? What does the future hold for the Banking Sector which is so crucial to the Scottish economy? Who would bail-out Scottish banks in the event of another financial crisis? Exactly how will key services such as health, education, pensions and welfare be funded? And to what standard or level of provision?

"We are convinced that the proven benefits of the Union far outweigh the uncertainties of independence.

"We fully appreciate that the decision is one for Scots and Scotland to make, but we want to make clear that we value the existing Union and in particular the impact which Scotland has within it, and we in Northern Ireland wish to see the United Kingdom maintained long into the future. 

"There is no question that a UK without Scotland would be a poorer place. We are indeed better together."