Brexit issues are raised at public meeting with MEP
THE TOPIC of Brexit and the future of the EU was at the heart of the conversation in Wexford County Council last Wednesday night when a panel of speakers, including MEP Deirdre Clune, took part in a public meeting titled ‘Brexit & Europe, where are we headed?’
The panel included: Tom Short, Vice President of the IFA South Leinster; Verona Murphy, Irish Road Haulage Association President; Gerry Kiely, Head of the European Commission Representation Ireland; and Deirdre Clune, MEP.
The discussion was chaired by Noelle O’Connell, Executive Director of the European Movement Ireland group.
Each of the speakers spoke briefly before taking part in a panel discussion and question and answer session which focused on a wide range of topical issues, from Brexit to the future of the EU and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Ms Clune said: ‘ There are many areas where we need further cooperation such as a reduced budget, security, migration and reform of the CAP.’
Ireland’s place, she felt, was at the heart of Europe and she felt the country needed to engage with its EU partners on the issues they were facing.
She added: ‘We must, as a country, prepare for the worst when it comes to Brexit but I am hoping that Ireland and the UK will maintain as close a relationship as possible going forward, which is essential for Wexford businesses and farmers.’