British Prime Minister Theresa May with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness
SINN Fein Foyle MLA Martin McGuinness has described as “disturbing” Brexit plans outlined by British Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday.
The Deputy First Minister said the referendum result showed that the United Kingdom is anything but united, given that Northern Ireland and Scotland see their future in Europe.
In a speech to the Conservative Party conference being held in Birmingha,, Mrs May confirmed she will kick-start the two-year process of withdrawal talks by invoking Article 50 of the EU treaties within the next six months.
Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr McGuinness said: “It’s quite clear that whenever the negotiations begin, if they do begin in March of next year, that the British government are faced with a very tough negotiation.
“So I think we’re headed to a head-on collision between the British government negotiators and European Union.”
He added that Sinn Féin is totally opposed to what the British government is trying to do.
Mr McGuinness said the negotiations between the EU and UK had not yet begun, which places Northern Ireland and Scotland at a serious disadvantage.
He added that there is very little sympathy for Britain in Europe and staying in the single market would be difficult.
Mr McGuinness said that Sinn Féin would not give in on the issue and that the Irish Government would have a significant role to play in negotiations next year.
“I think the Irish Government have an important role to play in standing up for the democratically expressed wishes of the people of the North, who wish to remain.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan has said Brexit is the greatest foreign policy challenge to Ireland since it joined the European Economic Area 43 years ago.
Mr Flanagan said that he welcomed the clarity Ms May has given the situation by naming a date for triggering Article 50.
“Our priorities here are quite clear – the economy, the fact that we have in excess of €1.2bn trade with the UK every week, obviously the situation regarding Northern Ireland.
“The preservation and maintenance of the Common Travel Area which we have enjoyed with the UK since the foundation of our State.
“And of course the fact that we still remain active members of the European Union.”
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