As the constitutional crisis continues to escalate in Spain following Catalonia’s disputed declaration of independence last Friday the Irish government have confirmed their support for Spanish unity.
In a press statement, the Department for Foreign Affairs said “we are all concerned about the crisis in Catalonia. Ireland respects the constitutional and territorial integrity of Spain and we do not accept or recognise the Catalan Unilateral Declaration of Independence.”
Catalonia’s rejuvenated independence movement has prompted a reaction from people across Ireland with various rallies having taken place across the country throughout October.
The most recent rallies took place over the weekend as Spain implemented direct rule over Catalonia, which had existed as an autonomous region for over 40 years.
On Sunday night, supporters of Catalonia gathered outside Dublin’s GPO, an historical location in Ireland’s own independence fight from Britain in the early 20th century.
The rally included a speech from Dublin Mayor Mícheál Mac Donncha who thanked the city's Catalan community and stated "we will continue to work with you and support then independence of your country."
Further north, supporters in Derry projected a Catalan flag onto the well-known Free Derry Corner wall in support of the region’s while a rally was also held outside Belfast city hall.
A strong factor behind support for Catalonia in Ireland has been how some view it as reminiscent of the country's fight for independence from Britain 100 years ago.
By proclaiming its independence on Friday, Catalonia became the first western state to do so since Ireland in 1919.
However, the move has been ruled illegal by Spain, who have now charged its former leaders with rebellion.
