The Fianna Fail Leader Micheál Martin has backed post-Brexit representation for the North after Brexit in an report in the Irish News by John Manley.
Manley reports;
Speaking during a visit to Belfast yesterday, Mr Martin said he supported the principle of continued representation for the north.
“In my view, this whole idea of respecting and ensuring that the European citizenship of people in Northern Ireland is given some manifestation and some reflection in the post-Brexit deal, is very, very important” he said.
“In my speech here over 12 months ago I identified that issue – because of the Good Friday Agreement and because Irish citizens in Northern Ireland are also European Union citizens, the ultimate deal should reflect that in all aspects.”
The Fianna Fáil leader said he could not see why people would object to the proposal but insisted that the move would not necessarily be linked to the EU Constitutional Committee’s recommendation of two additional MEPs for Ireland.
“It may not be just about the re-allocation of seats, it could be a continuation of representation that would citizens to have representation in the European Parliament,” he said.
“It would be unique situation – something similar to what happened with Greenland – but I think we should look at that as there’s a lot of good feeling in Europe towards the peace process and the unique qualities Northern Ireland represents.
David McCann holds a PhD in North-South relations from University of Ulster. You can follow him on twitter @dmcbfs
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