NI Political Leaders React To Draft Brexit Deal

Northern Ireland political leaders have reacted to rumours of a breakthrough in Brexit negotiations.

Prime Minister Theresa May's deal will be the focus of a Cabinet meeting at Downing Street today, Wednesday 14 November.

DUP leader Arlene Foster said in a statement: "We want a sensible deal which works for Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom and our neighbours in the Republic of Ireland.

"But our desire for a deal will not be superseded by a willingness to accept any deal.

"An agreement which places new trade barriers between Northern Ireland and Great Britain will fundamentally undermine the constitutional and economic integrity of the United Kingdom. That is not acceptable.

"Over time, such a deal will weaken the Union. No unionist Prime Minister could argue that such a deal is in the national interest."

Ms Foster added that the lack of a clear settlement would result in a United Kingdom that is "handcuffed to the European Union with Brussels holding the keys".

Meanwhile, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood welcomed the reports of an agreed text regarding the border issue in Ireland, and said his party looks forward to assessing the proposal.

"If the agreement involves a backstop that protects Ireland from a hard border then we would hope it will gain support in Westminster," the SDLP MLA said.

Sinn Fein's leader Mary Lou McDonald highlighted that any deal must give legal effect to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's "cast iron guarantee" of no hard border in Ireland.

"Sinn Fein has consistently called for an agreement that protects Irish Interests, our economy, the Good Friday Agreement and the rights of our citizens.

"Last December, a joint report by UK and EU negotiators was agreed, in which it was stated there would be no hard border in Ireland.

"The withdrawal agreement must give legal effect to that.

"Brexit is for the long term and what is required is a durable, permanent and legally robust agreement that safeguards Irish interests and ensures there is no hard border."

Deputy leader of the Alliance Party, Stephen Farry, cautiously welcomed the reports of an agreed text as "encouraging", but warned of a number of issues relating to internal UK politics.

"It is important people are measured in their reaction to the backstop and do not contribute further to unnecessary dramatising of something that should be seen in pragmatic terms. 

"Ultimately, the backstop is only an insurance approach. There is no such thing as a good or sensible Brexit."



(JG)