AN Irish newspaper has highlighted growing support for Scottish independence in a new leader about what impact the break-up of the Union could have on the island of Ireland.

Pointing to a recent Panelbase poll putting support for independence at 54% - the highest level since 2016 – and prior surveys indicating an increasing appetite for self-determination, the Irish Examiner editorial piece takes a look at what that could mean for residents there.

The leader argues that the issue is currently “not on any politician’s radar” given the current pandemic-related challenges, but it “perhaps should be”.

READ MORE: Support for Scottish independence soars to 54 per cent

With support for Yes among those aged between 16 and 34 at 73%, and a succession of polls putting backing for independence ahead of backing for the Union, the Irish Examiner says this could mean “quite a lot” for Ireland.

“Scottish independence would affect politics on the whole island,” the editorial says. “Ireland would be expected to assist Scotland in any attempt to rejoin the European Union, given the trade and social links between the countries and its support for the principle of self-determination.

“There would be numerous opportunities for alliances between Ireland and Scotland, particularly in the realm of the arts and other cultural endeavours.

“We already have a shared history, culture and even a shared language. There is hardly a fada separating Gaeilge from Gaelic.”

They say Scotland could “learn from” Ireland in terms of how to operate as a small economy within the EU – and add Ireland “could benefit from Scottish inventiveness and ingenuity”.

However they are quick to say discussions on how much an Irish government should engage with Holyrood while Scotland remains part of the UK should be cautious – the article states this is to avoid “accusations of interfering with the cohesion of that Union”.

READ MORE: Small nations on UN Security Council a 'shining light' to Scotland

Examining other consequences of independence, the newspaper says it’s important to recognise that Scotland breaking apart from the UK is “likely to be greeted with alarm” by Unionists in Northern Ireland.

For now, the story says, Irish leaders should be guided by the Good Friday Agreement – which should “promote the harmonious and mutually beneficial development of the totality of relationships among the peoples of these islands”.

They say they don’t wish to “alienate” the people of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland in these conversations.

Last week Ireland and Norway, which both have smaller populations than Scotland, were elected to the UN Security Council.

SNP MP Alyn Smith wrote to the countries’ foreign affairs ministers to congratulate them, and has said their success on the world stage “should highlight the potential of what an independent Scotland could be”.