Ms Michelle Gildernew:

I refer to the concerns we have had with the block grant coming from Westminster in terms of developing higher and further education, of which I am a massive fan. We have got a great college network as well as our universities. Unfortunately, we have not had the funding or resources to develop that to the extent that has been done in the South. It would obviously be better if we were in charge of our own economic affairs.

I would also like Professor McGuinness to touch on the potential growth and prosperity of unification. That is something on which we can work better together on the island of Ireland to bring savings to what we do and have the ability to drive the funding model that will help to improve our economy.

I also would like to point out not only the uncertainty around a border poll, but the fact that the British Government could call it at any time. The Irish Government is a victim of that and it really should be preparing and planning now.