SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said Arlene Foster is effectively arguing for access to single market and customs unionsMr Eastwood said: “The initiative from the DUP Leader to speak in Killarney today to a southern audience sends a signal in the right direction.
“This week once again demonstrated the importance of the tone adopted by political leaders in the North. I therefore acknowledge and welcome the change of tone in Mrs Foster’s remarks – long may it continue.
“While much of the content of the speech the SDLP could not agree with, the willingness of Mrs Foster to accept that her party will have to work on an all-island basis with our partners in the South to deal with the challenges of Brexit is a welcome step.
“In particular, in her remarks, the DUP Leader spoke of how she personally experienced the benefit of no border and again argued against a hard border in Ireland. This is significant – Mrs Foster is effectively arguing for access to the single market and customs union.
“The SDLP has long argued that only with access to the single market and customs union can we protect our interests on this island.
“But we have also argued that only with a local government here to make decisions here on this island can we protect people here from the economic and socio-political disaster Brexit could bring.
“The three strands of relationships, at the heart of the Good Friday Agreement’s architecture, do offer opportunity in protecting our interests in the face of Brexit. However, what Mrs Foster refers to as a replica of the Nordic Council model cannot be a substitute for political leadership and a local government.
“What this statement this morning highlights is that Brexit must be a basis for talks. No political leader here can speak for Northern Ireland alone but what the DUP Leader has exposed today is that there is some common ground.
“Political dialogue is needed here to explore that common ground, where there is room for compromise and if there is a way to move forward.
“Brexit is a basis for talks – we must now see willingness and generosity from all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue on all issues.”
