I think there is a pride in the region, I do get a sense of regional identity and the TUC supports the idea of regional government.

The idea is not new for us. We were discussing it as far back as 1979. We instinctively know that it would have a good effect for the working people in the region.

Although the success of regional government would be linked to how much money there is to spend, it is just as much about how we spend the money that already comes into the region.

A regional government would give us influence so that money can be spent wisely to protect and create jobs.

A key part of the regional government would be to work towards improving the quality of jobs and attracting and supporting the right kind of employers.

Regional government is about providing the area with a stronger voice.

When you go to international trade fairs, you see people like Rhodri Morgan, of the Welsh Assembly, Ken Livingstone, for London, and the Scottish First Minister, and the North-East sends two or three anonymous civil servants.

They may be very good at their jobs but we need people with a higher profile.

A regional government can also work towards an improved skills agenda.

The current skills agenda is a national one but is not necessarily appropriate for this region and needs more flexibility.

For instance, we may need 1,000 apprentices if one of our yards wins a big shipbuilding contract, and we have to make sure we are spending training money to adapt to those needs.

The regional government must also be about social inclusion. People need to feel that they are a part of the regional government, that people take notice of their views.

Our conversations with colleagues in Scotland, Wales and London suggest that is happening in their areas.

A vote for regional government will bring about the end of two-tier local government, with district or county councils being abolished.

But, to be honest, nobody is screaming in defence of two-tier local government.

There is an inevitability about it and it will happen, regardless of regional government.

We do not believe that jobs will go in the council services sector - the work will still need to be done, the bins will still be emptied.

However, there will be jobs lost among chief officers and administrative sections.

That is something that the local government trade unions and the employers will have to work through.

But this referendum is a great opportunity to change governance in the North-East and I am keen that we do it the right way.

We need clear leadership and, when you analyse it, this region has not had clear leadership.

We need a point of contact for people wishing to invest in this region. Regional government will offer that.

* Kevin Rowan is the regional secretary of the Trades Union Congress