Mr. Michael Russell:

I would be very keen to see that done. I am sure my colleagues would be very keen on it as well. There is enthusiasm for going to these lengths. The review may give us the structures to take forward our co-operation. Parliamentary structures are important, as are informal ones. I encourage all this. We have looked with great envy at the solidarity of the EU 27 and the support they have shown for Ireland. It stands in stark contrast with the position we have found ourselves in. We look at the Irish position with envy because there has been solidarity and an understanding of the Irish perspective. We have not had such treatment in the union of which we are currently part. We hope we will be able to rejoin the EU in a way that would reflect our two states' important common ground. While our countries have more languages than one, they would be two English-speaking countries in a bloc of only three. Malta is the other. That would be very useful. We would have very strong shared interests.

We note the work Ireland has done on an international scale and its having been elected a member of the Security Council. We see that Ireland has just recently signed a treaty we are enthusiastic about, the nuclear weapons treaty.

We see a great correspondence in terms of how we see the world. That can only give both of us strength, provided we are able to exercise it.