Hanna ready to set aside differences with SDLP to run for MP
SIMON Coveney has accused Boris Johnson of looking to “rewrite the rules” and dismissed suggested alternatives to the backstop.
The Tanaiste struck a pessimistic tone on a trip to the Czech Republic yesterday and lashed out at Mr Johnson, who has demanded the backstop be removed from the withdrawal deal.
The Irish Government’s nodeal preparations are intensifying further, with 64 days left until the UK is set to leave the EU.
Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has warned the “risk of a no-deal Brexit is growing”.
Mr Coveney was critical of Mr Johnson on a visit to Prague. Pessimistic: Simon Coveney
“Now we have a new Prime Minister who is essentially looking to rewrite the rules as regards that particular solution [the backstop] and that is threatening a no-deal having worked so hard to get a deal in place,” he said.
He said while the Irish Government was open to new alternatives that fulfil the same functions as the existing withdrawal deal’s backstop — the guarantee of no hard Irish border in the event that the UK and the EU can’t reach a future trade deal — none of those put forward so far would be sufficient.
“I think we need to be honest here that the alternative arrangements that have been discussed to date do not do the same job as the backstop — not even close,” he said.
“So let’s not pretend that solutions exist when they might not and so there needs to be a deal done on the basis of honesty in terms of the issue and the complexity of what we’re facing.”
Mr Coveney was speaking after Mr Donohoe warned in Dublin that there is a growing chance of a no-deal Brexit.
“As we look at the unfolding situation in the UK, the risk of a no-deal Brexit is growing,” he said.
He said Ireland will lose a powerful ally in the EU when the UK leaves.
“It will certainly be a different union for Ireland, it will be a weaker union,” he said.
Groundwork: Claire Hanna CLAIRE Hanna is ready to set her differences with the SDLP to one side and put herself forward to run as the party’s South Belfast candidate in the next general election.
Ms Hanna, who resigned the SDLP whip in February following the party’s link-up with Fianna Fail, said she is already doing the groundwork to challenge the sitting MP, Emma Little-Pengelly of the DUP.
Ms Little-Pengelly won the seat in the 2017 election by 2,000 votes, unseating former SDLP leader Alasdair McDonnell.
The news that Ms Hanna is ready to throw her hat into the ring will also be a blow to Dr McDonnell’s hopes of a political comeback, days after he indicated he was ready to challenge the DUP MP, branding her “disastrous” for South Belfast.
The fact that two of the party’s biggest names are circling for a nomination to contest the seat is a clear indication the party believes it can win it back.
Ms Hanna told BBC’s Talkback: “I don’t think there’s any political party that fights Westminster elections that isn’t preparing for them.
“As you probably know, most politicians worth their salt are always engaging with the electorate.
“(If I am selected) that will be a matter for the members. I don’t think it’s any secret that I’m active on the ground in South Belfast. I think it’s the best possibility of removing a DUP hard-Brexit vote.”
Asked if that meant she would be the ideal candidate, she replied: “Yes.”
Following the link-up with Fianna Fail, Ms Hanna also stepped down as the SDLP’s Brexit spokesperson, but has continued to be a party member.
Mr McDonnell has already confirmed he has put his name forward to possibly run again in the constituency if Prime Minister Boris Johnson calls a snap election. But party sources have suggested Ms Hanna would be favourite to win the nomination to run if she puts her name forward.