Scotland First Minister hails Ireland’s ‘journey’ as stronger Scottish-Irish ties planned
By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA
Scottish First Minister John Swinney has said he “admires” Ireland’s journey to independence as he spoke about strengthening co-operation on issues such as energy and diasporas.
Junior minister Neale Richmond said there were opportunities for a “richer” relationship as he greeted the Scottish National Party (SNP) leader in Dublin.
Mr Swinney became the first head of government to meet President Catherine Connolly, after which he pledged to “champion” the friendship between Scotland and Ireland.
He also met Mr Richmond at Iveagh House after Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee pulled out of the press event.
Mr Richmond said the energy sector, third-level institutions and financial services were among the areas of co-operation highlighted to create a stronger relationship.
Ireland’s and Scotland’s large diasporas in Canada and the US were also mentioned as a common factor.
“Ireland is the fifth largest import destination into Scotland as it stands,” Mr Richmond said.
“There are over 300 Enterprise Ireland companies exporting into Scotland now, and we’re just opening a new Enterprise Ireland office in Glasgow, but like all relationships, you don’t want to stand still.
“There is such an opportunity for an even richer relationship.
“We’ve seen it working informally and now, for the last five years, far more formally, and what we want to achieve with this new framework document launched today is the next stage.”
Mr Swinney said he had spoken before about how Ireland had the “golden combination” of independence and membership of the European Union.
“I do admire the journey of Ireland, and I want Scotland to be an independent country,” he said.
He added that one of the reasons Scotland needed to be independent was to create its own migration policy.
He said Scotland needed to boost its working-age population but he expected the UK Government to be “hostile” to the suggestion of a “bespoke” migration system for Scotland.
“That’s just another example of the arguments and the necessity for Scotland to be an independent country.”
After his meeting with Ms Connolly on Wednesday morning, Mr Swinney said: “Scotland and Ireland have longstanding ties and I will continue to champion our historic friendship.
“It was a privilege to be the first head of government to meet the new president this morning.
“During the meeting, I set out my ambition to work with the president and counterparts across Ireland to strengthen co-operation in areas that matter to both our nations.
“These links enrich our societies and create opportunities for both our people.
“Meeting President Connolly today demonstrates the closeness between our countries and our shared commitment to peace, equality and international solidarity, ideas and beliefs.
“These values guide our work at home and abroad, and I look forward to standing together on issues that matter globally.”
