Statement by Minister Flanagan on the outcome of the referendum in Scotland

The people of Scotland have voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. The debate leading up to yesterday’s referendum was rich and passionate, and it was clear that those making the case on both sides shared a common concern for the best interests of the Scottish people.  I share the hope that all parts of Scottish society can now come together in a constructive and inclusive way in shaping Scotland’s future within the UK.

The strong bonds and historic links between us all run deep and are well-known. As a neighbour, friend and partner across political, economic, cultural and many other spheres, Ireland enjoys excellent and ever-improving relations with Britain and with Scotland.

We will be in close contact with London, Edinburgh and other administrations as discussions proceed on enhanced devolution for Scotland and on the political changes across the UK as outlined by Prime Minister Cameron in his statement this morning.

The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 set as a key objective the promotion of harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands. The commitment in that Agreement to partnership, equality and mutual respect as the basis of relationships within Northern Ireland, between North and South and between these islands is as important today as it was sixteen years ago.

I look forward to continuing to work with London and with administrations across these islands, including within the structures created under the Good Friday Agreement and, of course, within the European Union.

ENDS

Press Office

19 September 2014