Ulster Unionist MEP, Jim Nicholson, has rejected the suggestion that the Irish Government should be involved in negotiations on the UK's relationship with the European Union.
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on European Union Affairs has today released a report which states that "the Irish Government has a voice in relation to the future of Northern Ireland and must feature in EU negotiations with the UK."
Speaking after publication of the report, Mr. Nicholson said:
"The UK's membership of the EU has been one of the most hotly debated topics for months. The UK Government have been given a mandate to seek a better deal with Brussels.
"While the Irish Government may want the UK to stay in the EU, it should have no place at the table in these negotiations. After all, it is a different Member State, with its own interests.
"The UK's status will be decided only by the people of the UK. Any undue influence from the Irish Government would be unacceptable.
"The Ulster Unionist Party will not allow joint authority by the back door."