29 November 2016

The First Minister’s second day in Dublin started with a breakfast meeting with Scottish and Irish investors and morning interviews with Scottish and Irish media.

Tune in to RTE Radio1 @morningireland at 8.13 this morning to listen to Scotland's First Minister @nicolasturgeon @scothubireland

— British Embassy (@BritEmbDublin) November 29, 2016

The First Minister then gave a speech to 120 CEOs and business leaders, including representatives from Microsoft, Aer Lingus, Diageo, Accenture, Ulster Bank and EIR, at the Irish business organisation Ibec.

.@scotgovfm @NicolaSturgeon addressed 130 CEOs and business leaders during an event at business organisation @ibec_irl this morning pic.twitter.com/gtQwGGMPCM

— Scottish Government (@scotgov) November 29, 2016

During her speech the First Minister underlined that UK membership of the Single Market is good for all the British Isles and the Irish Government has a strong ally in Scotland to help secure this important goal.

Later that morning, the First Minister was welcomed to the Seanad Éireann, the Upper House of the Irish Parliament, by Denis O’Donovan, Cathaoirleach (Chairman) of the Seanad.  The First Minister met the parliamentary group leaders before beginning her speech by saying how honoured she was to be the first serving head of a government to address the Seanad.

FM @NicolaSturgeon meets #Seanad group leaders before addressing Seanad Éireann. Full speech here: https://t.co/u2SU7ZNfNw @scothubireland pic.twitter.com/XGGen1CpDy

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) November 29, 2016

She continued:

There is no doubt that the UK-wide vote to leave the EU was deeply unwelcome. For Scotland, as for Ireland, it creates a challenge which is not of our choosing.

My hope is that Scotland and Ireland – sharing as we do an open heart for newcomers; and a faith in dialogue’s power to move minds – will work even more closely together in the years ahead. And I hope we will make new works, new meanings, new impacts from our ancient ties and our shared values. If we do so, we can ensure that our small nations send a powerful signal to others. And we can bring benefits throughout these islands, across the continent, and maybe even around the world.”

Speaking at the end of the trip, the First Minister commented on developing already strong relations with Irish trade, investment and businesses, and the healthy cultural and social links between Scotland and Ireland.

@Cover photo courtesy of Houses of Oireachtas