Ireland is a stable and prosperous independent country. It has used the powers of independence to build a strong and diverse economy.

It has long been portrayed as the UK’s poor neighbour but much of that due to the economic exploitation of Ireland by the UK until the early 20th century.

Ireland enjoys the unique situation of being part of both the Common Travel Zone and the EU single market. It has an educated, dynamic workforce which makes it attractive to investment. All nations have issues and improvement needs, of course they do, but Ireland has used its economic prosperity in ways that mean it now outperforms the UK in most metrics that measure the health and happiness of the population.

Of course, Ireland and Scotland are different in many ways - but it is instructive to look at Ireland’s success as a small independent nation.

Where is Ireland today?

When Ireland joined the EU in 1972, its per capita income was only 60% of the average. Now it is at least 100% of the average and by some measures, it scores even higher.