Martin McGuinness has raised the prospect of a vote on whether Northern Ireland should join the Republic in just a few years’ time.
The Deputy First Minister of the North says he sees no reason why a referendum on retaining the link with the UK or being part of a united Ireland cannot take place between 2016 and 2021.
It follows the Scottish government announcement that it wants to hold a vote on whether to leave the UK in 2014.
In an interview with the Irish Examiner Mr. McGuinness said it is his ambition to see the referendum held during the next term of the Belfast Assembly at Stormont.
He believes the Democratic Unionist Party can be persuaded to agree the move.
The final say on any such referendum would rest with the British Secretary of State.
Political Correspondent with the Irish Examiner is Shaun Connolly.
He spoke with Breakfast here on Newstalk.
