Brexit and this region

Madam Editor,

Over the coming weeks and months, we are going to hear a lot spoken and written about Brexit. Much will be idle chat or just pure speculation so let’s get one aspect crystal clear immediately regarding the Brexit process. Fine Gael in Government have a comprehensive plan in place and are working extremely hard to advance Ireland’s and Sligo’s interests. The day the result was announced we were in a position to launch a framework contingency plan that spanned right across government. We have prepared for this and we are ready. As a result, we enter the Spring of 2017 with a clear and calm focus. Brexit itself may be complex but the Government’s objective is simple – to secure the best deal we can for all our people. Ireland’s priorities remain unchanged: protecting our economy; safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement ( GFA); maintaining the Common Travel Area with the UK; andmapping a positive direction for the EU with Ireland at its heart. The island of Ireland is in a unique situation inmany respects, foremost among them our Peace Process and the provisions of the GFA. This is an all- Government effort, our officials and diplomats regularly engage in detailed discussions with the European Commission on issues of concern to Ireland. At the European Council table in Brussels, where the most significant political decisions are taken, the Taoiseach is a strong, well- regarded, and experienced voice. We in Sligo and the North- West know only too well how the EU has benefited the North- West Region. What happens at European level impacts on Sligo and bearing this in mind, the Government’s preparation has been extensive, and all possible models of Brexit have been taken into account. We have sought views far and wide. Sligo will soon gain first hand experience of how we are preparing for Brexit. This Friday at the Sligo Park Hotel, a Brexit public meeting will take place where all can air their views and ask the Taoiseach Enda Kenny how Brexit may impact upon them. This is the latest in a series of meetings and from these meetings, the Government has a very clear picture of the key issues that need to be addressed. Economically, our trade relationship with the UK is vital with over € 1bn a week traded between our two countries. There can be no question of punishing the UK and we would resist any such approach. However, it is worth bearing in mind that our annual exports to the rest of the EU are worth more than double those to the UK. The Government is under no illusions as to the scale of the potential risks and challenges for the Irish economy, but we are also very aware of the potential economic opportunities that may arise for Ireland, especially relating to mobile investment. As one of the EU 27, Ireland will be negotiating from a position of strength – fully committed to the future of a better, reformed European Union, which in turn benefits all here in Sligo. Working in Fine Gael and Government, I amcommitted to ensuring that Brexit will not impact negatively on our region or people. Tony McLoughlin TD