For the first time, the Irish government officially supported the development of scenarios for union with Northern Ireland, writes the Financial Times. Fine Gael, a member of the ruling coalition, estimates that moving to one country could cost between €3 billion and €25 billion in the first year alone. The final costs will depend on the distribution of pension and debt obligations vis-à-vis the UK. The authorities are considering three options: direct control from Dublin, federation or maintaining the current status.