28/01/2019
SDLP: Backstop 'Vital' For Border Communities
The SDLP has stressed the importance of retaining the backstop in the much-disputed Brexit deal due to the "sensitivities and complexities of our peace process".
Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty's comments follow a statement from Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, urging Westminster to hold firm on the issue of the backstop in order to avoid a hard border.
"As a political representative for a border community that sees many of my constituents travel freely from North to South and vice versa, every day unhindered, I am extremely anxious about the situation London has allowed us to drift into," Mr McNulty warned.
"Custom's posts, uniforms and physical infrastructure will be a complete retrograde move for the people of Ireland and our way of life here, especially those who live around or close to the border.
"Our people here never asked for this. This is a mess created by majorities elsewhere on these islands. Therefore, it is imperative that the Backstop is banked so we can rid ourselves of these perilous potential outcomes."
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald warned that a hardening of the border will lead to a referendum on Irish unity, while speaking at a Brexit conference on Saturday, 26 January.
"There are no 'little Irelanders' here and we will not tolerate the narrowness of the Brexiteers or policy of isolation imposed by Brexiteers," she said at the Beyond Brexit event in Belfast's Waterfront Hall.
"A crash means a hardening of the border and the loss of rights and continued uncertainty and instability. A hardening of the border is inconceivable and will be met with the demand for a unity referendum.
"We don't exactly know what will happen over the next few weeks or months. It's not in our hands, it's in the hands of a minority Tory Government in London, and that is the crux of the problem."
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, also speaking at the conference, responded that now is not the right time for a border poll.
"There are unionists who are willing to engage and explore new possibilities," he said.
"Unionism should have nothing to fear in a conversation based on persuasion and consent. My appeal to unionism is this, try to convince us of your vision for the future and we'll try to convince you of ours, and then in time let the people decide."
Mr Eastwood reiterated his concerns over the hardening of the border, saying it would be a "deliberate violation" of the political process by the British Government.
"There is no getting away from the fact that Brexit has changed everything and will continue to change everything," the Foyle MLA added.
(JG/CM)
Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty's comments follow a statement from Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, urging Westminster to hold firm on the issue of the backstop in order to avoid a hard border.
"As a political representative for a border community that sees many of my constituents travel freely from North to South and vice versa, every day unhindered, I am extremely anxious about the situation London has allowed us to drift into," Mr McNulty warned.
"Custom's posts, uniforms and physical infrastructure will be a complete retrograde move for the people of Ireland and our way of life here, especially those who live around or close to the border.
"Our people here never asked for this. This is a mess created by majorities elsewhere on these islands. Therefore, it is imperative that the Backstop is banked so we can rid ourselves of these perilous potential outcomes."
Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald warned that a hardening of the border will lead to a referendum on Irish unity, while speaking at a Brexit conference on Saturday, 26 January.
"There are no 'little Irelanders' here and we will not tolerate the narrowness of the Brexiteers or policy of isolation imposed by Brexiteers," she said at the Beyond Brexit event in Belfast's Waterfront Hall.
"A crash means a hardening of the border and the loss of rights and continued uncertainty and instability. A hardening of the border is inconceivable and will be met with the demand for a unity referendum.
"We don't exactly know what will happen over the next few weeks or months. It's not in our hands, it's in the hands of a minority Tory Government in London, and that is the crux of the problem."
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, also speaking at the conference, responded that now is not the right time for a border poll.
"There are unionists who are willing to engage and explore new possibilities," he said.
"Unionism should have nothing to fear in a conversation based on persuasion and consent. My appeal to unionism is this, try to convince us of your vision for the future and we'll try to convince you of ours, and then in time let the people decide."
Mr Eastwood reiterated his concerns over the hardening of the border, saying it would be a "deliberate violation" of the political process by the British Government.
"There is no getting away from the fact that Brexit has changed everything and will continue to change everything," the Foyle MLA added.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 February 2024
HMRC Warns Of Bogus Tax Refund Offers
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning to Self Assessment tax customers of bogus tax refund offers. HMRC has warned that fraudsters could set their sights on Self Assessment customers, with more than 11.5 million submitting a tax return by last month's deadline.
HMRC Warns Of Bogus Tax Refund Offers
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning to Self Assessment tax customers of bogus tax refund offers. HMRC has warned that fraudsters could set their sights on Self Assessment customers, with more than 11.5 million submitting a tax return by last month's deadline.
08 March 2024
Additional £3m Announced For Supporting People Programme
An additional £3 million in funding for the Supporting People programme, which aims to the quality of life for vulnerable people through appropriate housing-related services, has been announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
Additional £3m Announced For Supporting People Programme
An additional £3 million in funding for the Supporting People programme, which aims to the quality of life for vulnerable people through appropriate housing-related services, has been announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons.
28 February 2024
New Fitness Campaign To Support People With Learning Disabilities
A new campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity and support people with learning disabilities has been launched by Mencap NI and Oscar Winning Ambassador Dr James Martin MBE in partnership with Better.
New Fitness Campaign To Support People With Learning Disabilities
A new campaign to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity and support people with learning disabilities has been launched by Mencap NI and Oscar Winning Ambassador Dr James Martin MBE in partnership with Better.
27 February 2024
People Urged To 'Remain Vigilant' Following Dungiven Security Alert
The PSNI have urged residents and visitors in the Dungiven area to "remain vigilant" following a major security alert in the town and claims of a second device having been left in the area.
People Urged To 'Remain Vigilant' Following Dungiven Security Alert
The PSNI have urged residents and visitors in the Dungiven area to "remain vigilant" following a major security alert in the town and claims of a second device having been left in the area.
27 March 2024
Other News In Brief
Greens Calls For More Support For Addicts The Green Party has called for more support for people struggling with addiction. Party representative for Holywood and Clandeboye, Cllr Lauren Kendall, said: "From addiction to inspiration, suicide survivor Rory Sloan is using his experiences of recovery to help other young people.
Other News In Brief
Greens Calls For More Support For Addicts The Green Party has called for more support for people struggling with addiction. Party representative for Holywood and Clandeboye, Cllr Lauren Kendall, said: "From addiction to inspiration, suicide survivor Rory Sloan is using his experiences of recovery to help other young people.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mainly dry this morning with sunny spells then scattered showers breaking out this afternoon. A chilly start then feeling warmer in afternoon sunshine. Light southerly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Any showers at first soon dying out. Then dry overnight with clear periods and turning chilly with a touch of frost later tonight. Minimum temperature 1 °C.