The Irish Government has rejected Catalonia’s latest bid for independence.

Spain’s central government in Madrid has moved to impose direct rule on the region after its parliament voted to establish an independent republic on Friday afternoon.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said: “We are all concerned about the crisis in Catalonia.

“It is for all Spaniards – all Catalans and all Spaniards – to shape their own constitutional and political arrangements, through their own democratic institutions and laws.

“Ireland respects the constitutional and territorial integrity of Spain.

“Any decision on a question as important as independence requires legitimacy both in the broadest possible political terms and in terms of the legal framework.

“On that basis, the referendum vote in Catalonia cannot be accepted as legitimate or as a mandate for independence.

“Ireland supports efforts to resolve this crisis through lawful and peaceful means.”