Brexit and EU unity
Senator Feighan said Ireland wants a good Brexit deal for the UK but rejected attempts to push Ireland out of the EU. He warned that provocative statements from British figures could create serious pressure between the EU and the UK.
As the Brexit negotiations carry on in the Republic of Ireland, we want to see as good a deal for our friends and neighbours in the United Kingdom as possible.
Comment on this
However, there was an article in the Express on Sunday last weekend which said there would be a concerted effort at the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Sligo in two weeks' time to go over the head of the Taoiseach on ten reasons Ireland should leave the EU. This will not happen.
Comment on this
We are absolutely committed members of the EU. At the last poll, over 92% expressed satisfaction with the EU. I say again that we want a good deal for our colleagues in the United Kingdom, but the following is also happening. The Right Honourable Jacob Rees-Mogg has said that if the Irish Government obliges the UK to choose between the Republic of Ireland and the Union, they will chose the latter. We are in a very difficult situation but there are two people drowning here. There is the European Union and the United Kingdom. If people like Jacob Rees-Mogg continue to make unhelpful statements, they could be the catalyst for the break-up of the United Kingdom. Not only that, Mr. Rees-Mogg may also come to be seen as the midwife who delivered a united Ireland.