12/11/2001

Euro to have detrimental effect on border region

Concerns have been raised that the imminent introduction of the euro in the Republic of Ireland could have a detrimental effect on the economy of Northern Ireland’s border regions.

This is according to former SDLP leader John Hume who believes the UK’s failure to adopt the new currency, which will take effect on January 1, could undo valuable trade links with other states established over the years

From January 1 euro banknotes and coins will be in circulation in the Republic alongside the punt, which ceases to become legal tender on February 9 - and like the currencies of the 11 other European member states signed up to the single currency, will withdrawn from use at the end of February 2002.

While Mr Hume said people living near the border were experienced in dealing with the drawbacks of currency exchange, failure to join the euro would only “exacerbate these problems”. (MB)

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