Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness says Northern Irish politicians should avoid getting involved in the debate over independence for Scotland.
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The centuries old argument about independence for Scotland has reignited in recent weeks following statements by politicians in London and Edinburgh.
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond wants the referendum over the issue to be on his terms and at a time of his calling.
However, Prime Minister David Cameron wants to avoid a situation where the debate is allowed to run on over the next two years.
Speaking at Stormont on Monday, Mr McGuinness said the debate should not be allowed to cause division in the region.
He said: "This is an issue which could be used to create divisions in this house or even in our Executive or even between the First Minister and myself.
"I think all of us should resist the temptation to be drawn into something that will be decided elsewhere.
"We have our own duties and responsibilities, we have our own agreements stretching back to 1998, the St. Andrews Agreement, the Hillsborough Agreements and I think we abide by the agreements we have made and get on with our duties and responsibilites.
"What happens elsewhere has to be a matter primarily for the people concerned and my attitude to it is we would be best advised to stay clear of it," he said.
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