Scottish ‘No’ does not mean as you were for Ireland

So, from official Ireland's perspective, the United Kingdom appears "the same only different" today.

Uncertainty over the extent of the additional devolved powers promised to the Scots means the No vote does not quite represent an “as you were” result, however, because the status quo will not be preserved.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has confirmed this morning that Irish attention will now turn to the changes likely to take place following the referendum, “particularly in terms of devolution of powers”.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan this morning described as "electrifying" the campaign which took the British establishment by surprise.

He pledged to remain in close contact with London, Edinburgh and other administrative centres as discussions proceed on enhanced devolution for Scotland "and on the political changes across the UK" as outlined by British prime minister David Cameron.

Ireland’s neutrality extended to declining to engage publicly with one of the western world’s greatest talking points, as the Government remained mute on its preferred outcome in the Scottish independence referendum.

The Irish establishment’s silence should not have been mistaken for indifference, however, and behind the scenes Iveagh House officials were busy teasing out the potential implications for this State of both a Yes and No vote on the neighbouring island.

This analysis was presented to Cabinet this week, with the possible impact on Ireland's low corporation tax rate and the constitutional position of Northern Ireland the key themes.

Officials advised Government Ministers they could remain confident about the attractiveness of Ireland's corporate tax offering even if Scotland was allowed to implement changes in that area.

Ireland’s location and the skills of its workforce were emphasised in the synopsis of material prepared, although how this differed from what Scotland has to offer was not made clear.

There was an attempt to put a positive gloss on the economic fallout for Ireland of fresh devolved powers for Scotland, with a claim that this could be mutually advantageous when it came to trading opportunities.

As Mr Flanagan put it under questioning on Morning Ireland today: “It think these threats can be seen also as opportunities.”

But Mr Flanagan also flagged what he described as "the next big national debate in the UK", prompted by Mr Cameron's promise to hold a referendum on European Union membership in 2017 if he secures re-election next year.

If the so-called “Brexit option” is taken, Irish officials fear it could introduce profound uncertainty into Anglo-Irish relations.