Ireland's 'golden combination' of independence and EU membership a template for Scotland

Minister of state at the Department of Foreign Affairs Neale Richmond with Scotland's first minister John Swinney at the launch a new bilateral cooperation framework between the two countries. Picture: Leah Farrell /RollingNews.ie

Ireland's "golden combination" of independence and EU membership is a template for Scotland, the country's first minister has said.

John Swinney was speaking at the Department of Foreign Affairs as he visited Ireland to launch a new bilateral cooperation framework between the two countries.

Asked if he believed Ireland's example could guide his own country in the event of a second referendum on Scottish independence, Mr Swinney said he had told his party conference recently that it could.

"I have enormous respect for Ireland and the journey that Ireland has taken in the use of its independence and the use of the opportunities of independence. 

I was citing the example of Ireland in a recent speech to my party conference where I was indicating that Ireland had the golden combination of independence and membership of the European Union.

He said Scotland "has the golden combination of the prospect of independence, the prospect of membership of the European Union and low cost energy from renewable energy sources, which is an opportunity we've both spoken about today".

"So I do admire the journey of Ireland, and I want Scotland to be an independent country."

Minister of state at the Department of Foreign Affairs Neale Richmond said the two countries shared a deep and rich heritage but "more can be done" in terms of trading.

"Ireland is the fifth largest import destination into Scotland as it stands. 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. It 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.

"Energy is a key one, the third-level sector, financial services, space. But there is an awful lot more. And we're building on such a rich shared history that it behoves both of us to do so much more continuously."

Mr Swinney added the two countries share "very deep connections, but we've also got a great number of strengths, which, if combined, if established in collaboration, could have even more impact than they currently do independently".

While in Dublin, Mr Swinney paid a courtesy call to President Catherine Connolly, the first foreign head of government to do so. The Scottish first minister said it was "huge privilege" for him and the pair had had a "wonderful meeting".