Brexit would have detrimental impact on Border counties – O’Brien

Any move towards Brexit would be a retrograde step as it would create the potential for a return to border controls, which would have a highly detrimental impact on the economy of the Border counties, Cork North Central Sinn Fein Deputy Jonathan O’Brien told the Dáil. The adverse effects of a Brexit on the all-Ireland bodies established as part of the Good Friday Agreement also need to be taken into consideration, he said.

“For eight decades, we have had a physical border between the two States and an economic, social, cultural and political border which has been the source of enormous dislocation and, at times, conflict,” he said. “The Good Friday Agreement transformed the position, however, and the physical Border has become all but invisible. Nevertheless, much work remains to be done on the economic and political barriers between the Twenty-six Counties and Six Counties.”

In reply, the Taoiseach said that far be it from him to try to direct the British electorate or the electorate of the United Kingdom as to what way they should vote; it is their choice and their decision. “However, it is important to note that there are significant numbers of Irish citizens living in Britain,” said. “Owing to the common travel area, many of them have been there for many years. Therefore, we have an interest in this. It is also important to note that €1 billion in trade is conducted across the Irish Sea every week. Britain is the biggest purchaser of food from Ireland, as we are of their produce. Many other issues arise from a common travel area. While we cannot direct the electorate on what to do when they go to vote, it is important that we set out how critical is this issue. I repeat that it is not for me to direct the British electorate, but it is important to state the importance of the decision to be made. People should be properly and fully informed.”

(26 January)