DUP Out Of Touch With Majority On Brexit - Sinn Fein

Sinn Fein Vice President Michelle O'Neill has accused the DUP of being out of touch with the rest of the population on Brexit.

She was speaking after Northern Ireland's four pro-Remain parties, Sinn Fein, the SDLP, Alliance and the Green Party, met trade unions, university representatives and the community and voluntary sector at Stormont on Monday 03 December.

"What we have here today is unprecedented unity among representatives of civic society, business and the four parties," the Mid Ulster MLA commented.

"There is no good to come from Brexit."

Mrs O'Neill continued that there was "broad agreement" among all who sat around the table, that the Good Friday Agreement must be protected.

"Brexit presents a major threat to all the sectors represented today in terms of the risk to EU funding for community projects and university research, educational opportunities in the EU and the dilution of worker's rights.

"This is obviously causing a great deal of concern so I welcome the fact that more and more sectors are making their voices heard. The DUP are clearly on the wrong side of the argument.

"They are setting their face against the wishes and best interests of the vast majority of citizens by continuing to push for a hard Brexit and opposing the withdrawal agreement."

The Sinn Fein Stormont leader added that despite the issues with the proposal and the backstop, it is the "least worst option and remains our best insurance policy" against the worst case scenario.

"While the DUP still refuse to heed the concerns of citizens, Sinn Fein will continue to stand with all other pro-Remain parties and those sections of society who advocate for citizens' rights, our economic interests and the protection of our agreements.

"Whatever transpires over the coming weeks, the backstop remains the bottom line."

Commenting on the meeting, Alliance Party Executive Member Sorcha Eastwood added: "Same message as NI business community delivered last week, avoid a no deal at all costs and bank the backstop."



(JG/CM)