North Antrim’s Sinn Fein MLA, Philip McGuigan has said ‘Irish Reunification is the ultimate answer to Brexit’.
Speaking at a protest on ‘Brexit day’ Sinn Féin MLA has said the way back to Europe for Northern citizens is through Irish reunification.
Mr. McGuigan said:
“The people in the North have been removed from our union with our European neighbours against our will. There is a justifiable anger about this.
“Whilst there are problems with the EU I value the role that the European Union has played as a critical partner for peace in Ireland.
“It has provided substantial political and financial aid which has led to greater economic and social progress across Ireland.
“Whilst we in Sinn Féin were able to work with others to deliver designated status in the North, leaving the EU will have consequences for businesses, farmers, communities and individuals. We were able to safeguard the peace process and protection of the Good Friday Agreement and prevent customs border checks or tariffs on this island. We have continued access to both the Single Market and Customs Union.
“There will be no Unionist veto over any of these arrangements in Stormont. We have worked to secure the citizenship provisions core to the Good Friday Agreement which recognises the birth right of all the people of the North to identify themselves and be accepted as Irish or British or both, as they may so choose.
Mr McGuigan finished by speaking about a referendum on a United Ireland.
“So while all of this is positive I recognise there is no good Brexit. We will hold both the British Government and European Union to these commitments and responsibilities throughout the negotiations as they proceed to the next phase. We will also continue to push for a Unity referendum on this island so that the people here can have their say on which Union they wish to be part of”
