Advertisement

"Very tough" negotiations ahead on Brexit says Kenny

The Taoiseach has warned that Brexit negotiations between Britain and the EU will be “very ...
Newstalk
Newstalk

18.36 21 Oct 2016


Share this article


"Very tough" n...

"Very tough" negotiations ahead on Brexit says Kenny

Newstalk
Newstalk

18.36 21 Oct 2016


Share this article


The Taoiseach has warned that Brexit negotiations between Britain and the EU will be “very tough”

Enda Kenny said the issue is “far too serious” to be dealt with by one dedicated minister.

The Taoiseach was attending a two day summit with all 28 leaders of the EU in Brussels where British Prime Minister, Theresa May updated her counterparts on her plan for Brexit.

Advertisement

The UK premier confirmed that she would formally begin negotiations for Britain’s exit from the EU before the end of March next year.

Mr Kenny said there was no discussion about the border with Northern Ireland but claimed that Mrs. May understands that Ireland does not want a return to a hard border.

On his way into the meeting this morning he rejected opposition calls for him to appoint a dedicated "Brexit Minister."

"The entire Government, all the ministers of state, indeed all the deputies in the House are going to have to be involved in this,” he said.

"There's a national challenge here. It's far too serious to have it allocated to some section of some department."

He said there would be some “hard-talking” when negotiations get underway:

Mrs May acknowledged there would be "difficult moments" ahead in the negotiations, but said with a "constructive spirit" there could be a "smooth departure."

She once again reiterated that the UK is not leaving Europe and said her aim is to "cement" Britain as a close partner of the EU, following the departure.

She said the UK remains committed to "trading freely" with its European neighbours.

The summit also discussed the ongoing refugee crisis and potential sanctions against Russia in response to the ongoing bombardment of the Syrian city of Aleppo.


Share this article


Read more about

News

Most Popular