Scotland could see disposable income double within a generation with independence, with Ireland’s economic performance being held up as an example of what could be possible.
Real disposable income in Ireland has doubled over the past 30 years, prompting a fresh comparison between the economic fortunes of the two countries and the choices available to small independent European nations.
The SNP is using Ireland’s experience to argue that Scotland could achieve similar improvements in living standards if it became independent and returned to the European Union.
Ireland has experienced substantially stronger economic growth than the UK in recent years and has significantly higher GDP per person.
The party argues that having control over economic policy has allowed Ireland to make choices which have helped increase incomes and create higher paying jobs.
That comparison is being drawn against the experience of households across Scotland and the wider UK, where rising prices and relatively weak wage growth have placed increasing pressure on disposable income.
The SNP also points to analysis suggesting living standards among the most deprived communities in the UK will be 2% lower compared with 2024/25.
Rising food prices and household energy costs are also being cited as evidence of the financial pressures facing families.
The argument does not mean independence would automatically reproduce Ireland’s economic performance, but the SNP believes its experience demonstrates what a small independent country within the European economy can achieve over the course of a generation.
SNP MSP Alan Brown said:
“Ireland has paved the way for Scotland, with independence we could double people’s level of disposable income within a generation.
“The success of the Irish economy, ensuring more people have higher paying jobs, is in sharp contrast to the economic disaster thrust upon Scotland by a broken, Brexit obsessed Westminster system.
“In recent years within the UK costs have risen and wages have failed to keep up, but a better, brighter future is on the table for Scotland where we have the power to make our own choices.
“Only the SNP can and will put Scotland’s interests first at every turn, but for as long as we are tied to Westminster, we will continue to suffer the consequences of London rule, Scotland needs a fresh start with independence.”
Ireland’s experience provides the basis for the comparison rather than a guarantee of Scotland’s future economic performance.
But with disposable income there having doubled in real terms over 30 years, its transformation is being presented as an example of the economic possibilities supporters believe could come with Scotland making its own decisions.
