SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has spoken to An Taoiseach Enda Kenny about the need to protect the interests of people in the North who voted to remain in the European Union.
Mr Eastwood spoke to the Taoiseach ahead of a meeting with European Leaders and Heads of State in Paris this week.
He said: “I had a conversation with An Taoiseach Enda Kenny during which we discussed the imperative need to ensure that there are no new borders across this island.
“The threat to common travel and the suggestion of customs check points posed by the referendum result in England would be detrimental to economic and social life in Ireland.
“I urged the Taoiseach to forge ahead with plans for an all-party forum to prepare for the real challenges facing this island as a result of British withdrawal from Europe.
“No party, much less those who have opposed collaboration across the island for decades, should be allowed to hold a veto over political cooperation.
“The Irish Government is in a critical position to influence the shape of Europe as negotiations get underway.
“That influence must be used to ensure that the democratically stated will of people in the North is respected and reflected in the outcome.
“This evening I will be meeting more European Leaders and Heads of State from our sister parties across Europe in Paris as the SDLP seeks to defend the will of people in Northern Ireland,” added theFoyle MLA.
