Thanks.

Ok, so if I go and work in Ireland and wish to bring my partner over on a fiancee or spouse visa...to Ireland, would that be an easier route for us, as well as cheaper. I'd be interested in your general opinion on this, and possible pitfalls. (Just thinking ahead and covering all bases. At the moment I should be able to meet all UK requirements, but who knows...a year or two down the line. ).

Seems I've left it too late to claim Irish citizenship through Grandma, incidentally.