BREXIT FALLOUT
BREXIT FALL-OUT DEBATE CONTINUES
Louth doesn’t want a border or trade barrier that will make it difficult to attend work, college and social occasions, Cllr Tomas Sharkey has asserted.
Following the decision by the UK to leave the EU, he said the county should step forward to look for as much engagement and co-operation as possible to soften any implications that may come down the line.
The Sinn Fein representative added the majority of people in Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU.
At Monday’s meeting of Louth county council, he garnered cross-party support for a motion calling on the Irish government to work with the Northern executive to ensure that the democratic wishes of the people to remain with the European Union are respected and facilitated.
Also, that an island-wide solution is found to safeguard the interests of people, north and south, and the achievements of the Peace Process.
‘We should add a local voice to the desire for positive and practical solutions, and have them ready to roll.’
Cllr John McGahon said Ireland is now on the western edge of the EU, and no one wants a hard border.
As much as he would love to see it, he feels it will be difficult to facilitate Northern Ireland staying in the EU.
‘I believe unionists voted to leave to cement their position in the UK.
Cllr Mark Dearey said the motion should carry weight and he listened to, as the referendum result has implications for the Good Friday Agreement.
He said a Greenland situation, in reverse, could happen. Denmark is in the EU, whereas Greenland, under Danish sovereignty, is not.
Cllr Kevin Callan spoke of his shock at the result of the vote, which he described as disastrous for the jurisdiction involved, and for Northern Ireland and Scotland who voted to stay.
‘Co. Louth is on the frontline, and already there are fears around minimum wage and contracts on both sides of the border.
Cllr Callan it would be better if the Taoiseach said more about Northen Ireland than Scotland.
Cllr Conor Keelan expressed a hope for greater collaboration and consultation for the minimum of disruption along the border.
Chairman Cllr Paul Bell remarked you can only negotiate with those who want to negotiate with you, and referenced the Taoiseach trying to engage with the first minister in Northern Ireland.
As a result of the referendum vote, Louth and the border counties will have an initial impact.
He added it could be the start of the break-up of the UK and of the EU, and noted ‘ those who led the charge (for the UK to leave) have left the field.’
Cllr Sharkey reminded members at least half of unionist people in the north voted to remain in the European Union.