SF: Govt 'Chaos' Cannot Distract From NI Talks

Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald has said the Prime Minister's resignation and impending leadership contest cannot be allowed to distract from Brexit negotiations or derail the talks process in Northern Ireland.

Her comments come after Theresa May announced her intentions to step down on Friday 07 June, prompting a fight for leadership as the UK hurtles towards its exit from the European Union in October.

"The chaos at Westminster cannot be allowed to distract from the very real threat that Brexit poses to Ireland," Ms McDonald commented.

"They also should not derail progress in the north talks. Irrespective of who leads, it is paramount that people's rights and agreements are protected.

"Following the British General election Theresa May prioritised a deal with the DUP at Westminster over re-establishing the power-sharing institutions. This Tory/DUP deal has had a negative influence on the political process.

"Theresa May set unrealisable red lines in the Brexit negotiations and only eventually accepted the need for a Backstop as the bare minimum to avoid a hard border. 

"The people want and need a resolution to the impasse in the north to the issues which led to the collapse of the institutions. 

"An agreement can be reached and a deal can be done. But the process must not be derailed nor responsibility abdicated in respect of people's rights and agreements."



(JG/CM)