Video – Scottish referendum: 'A victory of fear over hope,' says Gerry Adams

REACTING to the news that the people of Scotland have voted against becoming an independent country, Gerry Adams TD described the result as a victory of "fear over hope".

The Sinn Féin leader told reporters he believes a section of the 55% of Scots who voted 'No' to independence were "frightened by the tsunami of pressure from London."

He said those who voted 'Yes' were voting for hope and looking towards the future.

"This decision demonstrates that the people are sovereign and that change is possible. The union is no longer fixed, it is in the ownership of the people," he said.

Noting that British Prime Minister David Cameron has promised more powers to Scotland, Adams called for similar powers for the Northern Executive:

"We want maximum powers devolved. The North faces unique economic and social challenges as it emerges from conflict, decades of under investment by successive British governments and the inter-related and independent nature of the all-Ireland economy."

He said the people of Scotland and the North of Ireland should have control over issues like welfare, rather than having cuts imposed from Westminster.

"Sinn Féin is up to the challenge of using the full suite of fiscal powers to grow the economy and reinvest in our people, our enterprises and in our public services"

Gerry Adams also used the opportunity to call for a Border Poll on Irish reunification. He noted that the Good Friday Agreement provides for such a poll:

"The people here in Ireland, like our Scottish cousins, should be provided the opportunity in a Border Poll to determine the constitutional position. That is the democratic way forward."