Taoiseach and FF leader talk Brexit, US relations and the EU
TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin gave lengthy addresses to crowds during the Kennedy Summer School about everything from Boris Johnson’s colourful use of language, to the budget and the next General Election.
Speaking at the speaker’s lunch held at the festival marquee at the John F Kennedy Arboretum on Friday, Micheál Martin addressed the legacy of the visit of President John F Kennedy in 1963.
He said: ‘No one can doubt that the Kennedy visit marks an important moment in modern history for both countries – however in very different ways.’
He said progress in modern Ireland has been built on the foundations which Sean Lemass put in place as he looked at the obstacles Ireland faced and sought a way around them.
‘These foundations are active participation in a strong European community of nations, open pro-enterprise policies, the search for partnership with all communities in Northern Ireland and investment in the knowledge and skills of the Irish people. At every point where we have achieved sustained progress or overcome serious obstacles for the last half century these policies have been at the very centre of the progress. This is something we must remember as we cope with a new era of dramatic change.’
Describing Brexit as the worst and most immediate part of this, Mr Martin said many of the challenges were there before Brexit and they will be there no matter what happens in the coming weeks and months.
‘The fanatical Brexiteers could not care less about the impact of their crusade on ordinary people because they belong to a caste which knows it will always be OK. As the remarkable working life of Boris Johnson shows, they have resources and networks to fall back on no matter what they do.’
He said: ‘In March we came within days of a crash-out Brexit for which Ireland manifestly was not prepared – something the Taoiseach admitted during Dáil questions. Even today less than 10 per cent of Brexit planning funds have been allocated and core customs training is only beginning. We dodged a bullet earlier this year and simply cannot afford the same failings in a much more serious situation. I think it is long past time for the government to publish everything it has about no deal preparations. Let’s see the full details.’
Following his address he was interviewed by Robert Mac Giolla Phadraig CCO of Sigmar Recruitment.
Mr Varadkar said: ‘Post-Brexit an EU/UK foreign trade agreement would take many years to hammer out and Britain would be “breaking records” if they manage to reach a deal within three to four years...I still think it’s possible for us to secure an agreement. We can’t accept a promise that it’ll be sorted out later.’
He expressed surprise at Mr Johnson’s taunts of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn during heated exchanges on Brexit and the prospect of an election in the UK.
Mr Varadkar said: ‘The Dáil is not always an example of virtue and there are plenty of nonsensical displays of behaviour. I don’t really think a Taoiseach would ever call somebody a big girls blouse. It’s just not what you would expect from the mother of all parliaments so I hope things improve.’
Mr Varadkar said he did not expect there to be a breakthrough on Brexit at his meeting with Mr Johnson on Monday.
‘No matter what happens we always have to monitor what happens in the UK which is our nearest neighbour... we’re going to need to have a good relationship with them political and economic. It has been very volatile over the last number of years.’
Speaking on the visit by Vice President Pence this week An Taoiseach said: ‘He’s a normal politician if you like - for want of a better term. I do think his comments in relation to Brexit could have been more balanced.’
He said May 2020 is the most likely date for the next General Election, prior to being interviewed on stage at St Michael’s Theatre.