Thanks. I understand. But EU is more oppressive than Westminster with far less “input” ——. Especially as one can foresee the future. I doubt the exchange will prove a wise one over time. But I get the history. Thanks. Also the welfare costs ?
Actually it’s the opposite - the Scots look at the Irish and see
1. Ireland has a veto over decisions and laws made. Right now Scotland has no such veto
2. Ireland has a number of pieces of input:
2.1. its ministers are of equal level with the ministers of germany, france etc. in the european council of ministers. These can propose to the European commission to go an investigate legislation
2.2 Ireland has its MEPs - proportional representation, so similar to the British parliament
2.3. Ireland has its own european commissioner - each country gets one.
2.4. the Irish PM is on equal level with the heads of government from Romania, Germany, etc and has the right to veto
It’s pretty apparent in the Brexit case where Scotland is being dragged out despite voting 63% to remain, while the rest of the eu is basically following Irish direction to focus on keeping the irish border open as a cornerstone.
Generally the Scots have seen what has been their fate versus Ireland’s faith since 1973 and based on the empirical proof, see it to be better as part of the eu rather than the uk if they have to choose