Irish President Catherine Connolly met Scottish First Minister John Swinney in Edinburgh on Wednesday, discussing self-determination and constitutional change across the UK. During a press conference in Glasgow on Thursday, Connolly said the meeting covered the importance of self-determination and energy matters. She described the discussion as wide-ranging and engaging.

Asked whether she supports the SNP's push for Scottish independence, Connolly said it is for the people of Scotland to determine their future. She added that she supports her own constitution in relation to the north of Ireland.

The meeting followed an agreement signed by Swinney with the leaders of Sinn Féin and Plaid Cymru aimed at pressuring the UK government into allowing independence referendums. Swinney described that agreement as a historic moment, saying the principle of self-determination should be central to debate.

Connolly also commented on Taoiseach Micheál Martin's suggestion that Sinn Féin may have set back the cause of Irish unity by aligning with pro-independence parties from Scotland and Wales. She said dialogue and listening to each other are needed on these matters.

During her visit, Connolly attended a private dinner hosted by Britain's King Charles at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire on Wednesday evening. She also met the King during a private event.

In a separate development during her visit, Connolly revealed details of her meeting with US President Donald Trump at Áras an Uachtaráin earlier that week. She said Trump asked if the question of Irish unity would be resolved in her lifetime, and she said she hoped it would.

Connolly referenced the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which requires majority consent in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for unity. She also expressed concern about intensifying language of war and the absence of diplomatic measures for peace in Europe.