Branson: vote Yes for jobs

During a chaotic walkabout through the commercial heart of Belfast with Northern Ireland secretary Mo Mowlam, Mr Branson was forced to repeatedly sweep aside allegations that he was meddling in a delicate political situation he did not understand for purely personal gain.

The multi-millionaire had earlier hosted a press conference outside the city's Virgin Megastore, prompting accusations he had hijacked the crucial final hours of Ms Mowlam's campaign to secure a Yes result.

Surrounded by autograph hunters, Mr Branson said he had decided to visit Belfast ''for the sake of the children's future'' and shrugged off suggestions of pre-referendum bribery.

He said: ''This is for the sake of the children's future in Northern Ireland, and if I had loads of money and I could bribe everybody to vote yes I would do so, I think it is so important.

''Obviously, all I am saying is what I believe. That is, as a businessman, it is a fact of life that I know lots of American businessmen and we will be keen to invest here if there is peace.That should go without saying.

''It is not trying to bribe people, it is just facing up to reality.''

Mr Branson said the province could only gain with a Yes vote and could, through the ballot box, transform itself into a prosperous and popular tourist destination.

He said: ''We send hundreds of thousands of tourists to America and we send hundreds of thousands to Europe, we don't send hundreds of thousands of tourists to Northern Ireland.

''This is a beautiful country with beautiful people and if this country is at peace I am sure ourselves and other people will send lots of tourists here.''

Mr Branson said he had come to Belfast to speak to people with Ms Mowlam about the facts surrounding a successful Yes vote.

''It is just saying, these are the facts and you have got to decide and you only have one chance on Friday. For God's sake say yes for the sake of your country and the future of your children.''

Mr Branson pledged significant investment in Northern Ireland following a Yes vote, with the opening of more shops and even an attempt to invest money into the province's rail network.

He said: ''I think the people that want to vote yes feel passionately about their country, are fed up with the horrors of the past, and want to see the country move forward, and this is the best chance they have had of moving forward.

''Everyone knows it is not a guaranteed success, but there is a much, much better chance of peace than if people vote no.

''There is no question that companies like Virgin and other companies will invest significantly in Northern Ireland if there is a Yes vote, if there is a No vote who's to know?''

Mr Branson accepted there was a risk the vote could swing to the No camp, but said he believed that was an unlikely result.

''I was invited, but I came because I felt very strongly that if one had any influence to win over just one person to vote yes then it was worth the visit.

''I think a No vote has no future, a Yes vote gives the country a great chance for a great future and I'm just one of thousands of people who will invest in Northern Ireland if there is a Yes vote.

''It is a vote that gives the country great hope and it would be desperately sad to see people vote to go back rather than go forward.

''If there is a No vote and things started going back towards what it was like a few years ago, then I'm sure investment will dry up.''