According to reports this morning the Taoiseach Enda Kenny is considering assembling all-island forum with leaders from both sides of the border in order to discuss the economy in the wake of the UK’s decision to leave the EU.
The talks which may take place in the coming weeks ahead have been welcomed by the SDLP and Sinn Fein, but the Democratic Unionists have criticised the proposal talks saying the Irish Government cannot speak for the region in any forthcoming negotiations.
Although SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood welcomed the decision saying the proposed new forum was essential, Mr Eastwood said: “We believe that it is necessary to consider the issues and implications, not least in terms of helping to develop optimum coherence and consensus on how to minimise the adverse economic fallout and ensure growth on the island.”
“We must ensure that any border which is erected is only operational around the island of Ireland, not across it. “This week we have had confirmation that neither the British Government nor the Northern Ireland Executive have put in place contingency plans to deal with the fallout of the referendum result.
“Here on the island of Ireland, we must map the challenges, purposes and priorities that could most affect us, north and south, rather than following the impulses and bad decisions of the British Government.”