NICOLA Sturgeon was hailed as a “shining light” in world affairs by Irish leaders yesterday as they urged Scotland to “achieve its inevitable and full potential” and become an independent nation.

In remarkable scenes of solidarity with the Yes movement they asked the First Minister what help they could give to hasten independence and heaped scorn on the “lies” of the “racist” Leave campaign.

In what will be seen as an historic day for relations between the two nations, members of the Irish Parliament’s upper House, the Seanad, in Dublin, applauded the First Minister’s support for social justice and equality, for the rights of refugees and migrants and called on her to keep Scotland in the European Union as an independent country.

Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin launched a strong attack on the Leave campaign for its “racist lies” as he praised Sturgeon for advancing a progressive alternative.

“Let us remind ourselves that the European Union arose at a time of great division, war, pain, death and suffering. It appears that it is now turning in on itself on the basis, in respect of the Brexit campaign, of a racist lie,” he said.

“The Scottish First Minister is ranged against it, for which we commend her. At this time of great uncertainty and fear, a time when people are facing off against each other and leadership is needed, she is a shining light not only on these islands and across Europe but also across the world.”

He added: “As the inevitable reaches its conclusion and Scotland takes its place among the nations of the world and its self-determination becomes a reality, it should know that in these Houses and this country it will have the closest of allies, not just on the basis of national self-determination but also because of what we must give to the world, namely, our belief systems and values.”

Senator Mark Daly said: “One hundred years ago Ireland was continuing on its long road to independence following the 1916 Rising. I hope Scotland’s journey to independence will not take 100 years.

“The nationalism espoused by Vladimir Putin, Marine Le Pen and Donald Trump is corrosive, but the civic nationalism espoused by the Scottish First Minister – fairness, progressive democracy and social justice – is positive. What can Ireland do to help Scotland to achieve its full potential and independence? How can we be of assistance to it?”

Senator Marie-Louise O’Donnell pressed the First Minster on when Scotland would vote again on independence.

Responding, the First Minister did not give a date, but in her address she said she was exploring options to keep Scotland in the EU as part of the UK, though the option of independence was firmly on the table. She said these options would be published in the coming weeks.

She also described Ireland as an “inspiration” to Scotland.

“Ireland is smaller than Scotland and does not have the vast natural resources Scotland has at its disposal, yet it is proudly independent and makes its own way in the world. That is inspiring for all of us,” she said.

The Irish leaders’ speeches followed the First Minister’s address to the Seanad in which she was given a standing ovation as she highlighted her wish for an open border between the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland, which Irish politicians have said is essential in preserving peace.

Marking the end of a two-day visit to the Irish Republic in which she met the Irish President Michael Higgins, business leaders and academics, her speech was the first ever from the head of a foreign government to the Seanad.

“Although we share more than a thousand years of history, I hope and believe that relations between Scotland and Ireland are now stronger, warmer and more harmonious than they have ever been,” she told Seanad members.

“I believe that all of these ties will strengthen further – to our mutual benefit – in the years ahead. 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.”

Earlier, the First Minister backed calls for a “Celtic corridor” of closer business ties between Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

In a separate development the Prime Minister Theresa May will today release a St Andrew’s Day message to Scotland. She will say: “Scotland has a special place at the heart of our historic union of nations and today, on St Andrew’s Day, it is right that we celebrate Scotland’s extraordinary contribution to our United Kingdom and to the whole world.”