- Republic of Ireland may have most to lose in bad Brexit deal
- Dublin doesn`t speak for Northern Ireland and neither does Brussels
- Belfast Agreement cannot be cherry-picked to suit a nationalist agenda
- Comprehensive deal between UK and EU in best interests of all parties
Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson has repeated calls for a deep and comprehensive deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union, as EU Chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier visits the Republic of Ireland this week.
Mr Nicholson said:
“The Republic of Ireland may have the most to lose from a bad Brexit deal, given the fact that it is the only member of the 27 remaining EU Member States to share a land border with the United Kingdom. On that basis, it is of no surprise that Mr Barnier has chosen to go to Dublin to take views on board.
“However, he does not have a mandate to negotiate Northern Ireland issues with politicians in the Republic. Dublin does not speak for Northern Ireland, and neither does Brussels.
“Of course, in the absence of a functioning Executive in Northern Ireland, I fear we risk losing our voice. For my part, I will continue my positive engagement in Brussels as MEP for Northern Ireland with Mr Barnier, as well as other EU leaders such as the European Parliament negotiator Guy Verhofstadt.
“Brussels needs to be fully aware of the fact that the Belfast Agreement cannot be cherry-picked. While nationalist politicians and others may be keen to use Brexit as an excuse to try to break up the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland will remain a full, integral part of the United Kingdom for as long as its people wish to remain so. This also means that any ‘special status’ which puts a de facto border between Northern Ireland and Great Britain would risk breaking the agreement.
“Ultimately, we need a deep and comprehensive deal to be reached between the United Kingdom and the European Union, with few barriers to trade and movement between the United Kingdom and the Irish Republic.
“This will not be easy, and will require cool heads and creative thinking, but it would be in the best interest of all parties involved.”