'˜EU poll is a Tory-created Frankenstein's monster'

The Foyle MLA said his party is “united in campaigning vigorously to remain in the European Union.”

He pointed to the agricultural subsidies and peace funding that has benefitted Northern Ireland over recent decades.

“Across all of our sectors from agriculture to education and from manufacturing to community groups, there is a recognition of the huge support we have received from Europe and the opportunities that exist for future support,” he said.

“There is a growing mood across society that we are better within the EU. The business community, the agricultural sector, and the community and voluntary sector have all made that clear. The EU has also been a great supporter of our peace and political processes over the last two decades, both in terms of political support and through PEACE programme funding.”

He claimed the Prime Minister was a hostage to internal Conservative politics.

“This is a hugely important issue and should not be held hostage to the deepening divisions within the British Tory party. This referendum is a Frankenstein created by David Cameron that he is now struggling to control.”