All-Ireland post-Brexit forum

Posted By: July 04, 2016

Suzanne McGonagle. Irish News (Belfast). Monday, July 4, 2016

Taoiseach Enda Kenny is expected to announce the formation of an all-island forum to map out a way forward in the wake of Brexit when the North-South Ministerial Council meets today.

The plans have been welcomed by the SDLP and Sinn Féin but the DUP has said the Irish government cannot speak for The North in negotiations.

The referendum result is expected to top the agenda at the meeting in Dublin as political leaders discuss cooperation on common policies.

Sinn Féin’s Martin McGuinness said he would press Mr. Kenny on “island-wide participation” in the forum when they meet today.

However, the DUP appeared to dismiss calls for the forum. Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said Brexit negotiations should involve only the British government and the Stormont executive.

“The Irish government will not be negotiating on behalf of Northern Ireland. The UK government and the Northern Ireland Executive will be part of that,” he said.