In my view, a united Ireland is inevitable, and it is certainly more likely than a voluntary coalition which doesn't include Sinn Fein.

Sinn Fein is the fastest growing party on the island of Ireland.

Sinn Fein will not do Tory austerity.

I'm not going to be known as the Sinn Fein Minister who did the bidding of a Tory administration which is focused on decimating the welfare state.

But the fact is that the vast majority of Republicans support the Sinn Fein leadership.

The British government says that for Sinn Fein to be involved in talks the guns must be left at the door.