If I felt we had alienated the Unionists, it would worry me because we've spent a great deal of time trying to open up discussion and dialogue with the Unionist Parties.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
When you're brought up in a Unionist culture, you can't help but feel Unionist.
There is a great deal of work that can be done between the SDLP representing the Nationalist population and the Unionist Parties, and I believe we should set down to do that.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out - because I was not a trade unionist.
I've had very good meetings with Unionist leaders, Democratic Unionist Party, Ian Paisley and his team.
The Scottish Labour Party, while I have breath in my body, will listen to the views of trade unionists.
I believe we've spent many years trying to bring about talks which have all the Parties in Northern Ireland involved so that there'd be inclusive talks.
One of my greatest sadnesses at the prospective break-up of the Union is that it will set English, Welsh and Northern Irish against Scots in a bitter division of the debts and resources of the whole of the U.K.
I am a proud trade unionist.
I'm a passionate trade unionist.
If the British government is prepared to say that the Unionists will not have a veto over British government policy and that guns, vetoes and injustices will all be left outside the door, then there is no good reason why talks cannot take place in an appropriate atmosphere.