Adams: “Border agreement doesn’t answer key questions”

Posted By: December 10, 2017

ITV. Belfast. Friday, December 8, 2017

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams gave a ‘cautious and qualified’ welcome to Friday’s Irish border agreement, but said it ‘does not address key areas of concern’.

Mr. Adams was addressing the deal between the EU and UK which is expected to smooth the passage to the next round of Brexit negotiations on trade and transition.

Speaking in Dublin, the Louth TD said the communique “does not set the final deal on Brexit” but instead “sets out broad principles” which the Irish government believe show sufficient progress to move to the next phase of talks.

“While the communique recognizes the unique and special circumstances surrounding the issue of the Irish peace process, the Good Friday Agreement, and the border, it does not address key areas of concern for many citizens – especially nationalists living in the north and citizens in the border region,” he said.

He added, “The insistence by the British that Britain and the north must leave the customs union and the single market presents a real and live danger which cannot be understated.

“This also contradicts the British Prime Minister’s claim that there will not be a hard economic border.

Mr. Adams said he had the concern at the suggestion Northern Ireland would no longer be subject the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice.

He added, “While today’s communique represents some progress there are many unanswered questions about key issues and the Irish government must remain focused and vigilant.

“Sinn Féin is also very mindful that this Brexit process is a work in progress. “Our experience through years of agreements with Britain is that the devil is in the detail.”