Statement by TUV spokesperson Keith Ratcliffe:
“The poll published this weekend showing that a referendum on an all Ireland would be resoundingly defeated in Northern Ireland comes as no surprise. Whatever the propaganda of nationalism, the reality is that people across the religious divide recognise that the unity which serves us best is the unity of the United Kingdom.
“That said, the reality of life south of the border when it comes to things we take for granted in Northern Ireland is often overlooked. We know we benefit from an NHS free at the point of use but few recognise that in the Republic people pay €80 a day for inpatient services at hospita, a €100 charge for attending accident and emergency and a charge of up to €65 to see a GP.
“When one considers the other benefits lost – such as the lack of a personal tax allowance south of the border and the loss to Northern Ireland of the subvention from Westminster – the case for remaining part of the UK is as strong as ever.”