It is “essential” that a power-sharing government is restored in the North as soon as possible, the Taoiseach has said.
Speaking to business leaders in Derry, Leo Varadkar said that while he would continue to make the strongest possible case for Northern Ireland in Brexit negotiations, “there is no substitute for a Northern Ireland Executive speaking directly for the people of Northern Ireland as your democratically elected voice”.
Power-sharing in Northern Ireland collapsed in January when Martin McGuinness resigned in protest at Arlene Foster’s involvement in the Cash for Ash scandal.
Negotiations on forming an Executive after the March election have so far failed.
“I’ll do my best for Northern Ireland, but my mandate is weakened because I don’t come from here,” said Mr Varadkar.
“Your institutions could play an important role in the Brexit negotiations, particularly as there are structures and mechanisms in place for the devolved administrations to be consulted, and to have their say on legislation being considered in Westminster,” he said.
Mr Varadkar, who was the keynote speaker at the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner in Derry on Friday night, said that other European leaders understood “that Northern Ireland is unique, that the peace is young and still fragile, and are willing to make exceptions for Northern Ireland that would not be made for others”.
The “huge goodwill for Northern Ireland right across Europe,” Mr Varadkar said, created an opportunity to secure a unique solution.
“Everyone recognises what has been achieved and what can never be allowed to be lost.
“So there is a willingness to change the rules and create a flexible solution, a unique solution, one for Northern Ireland, one that may not be available to the rest of the UK or even the rest of Ireland.”
Concern
“There is, understandably, heightened concern among communities who are worried about how their rights will be protected, including rights arising from citizens in Northern Ireland retaining EU citizenship after Brexit.
“And, above all, there is concern that the reintroduction of a Border will be a step backwards, a step in the wrong direction in terms of peace and political stability and the increased prosperity which has underpinned this.
“Perhaps no part of Europe will be affected by Brexit more than areas such as this one, straddling the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, between Ireland and the European Union.
“Our priorities are clear. We must protect the peace process and ensure there are no new barriers to trade or movement of people across our island,” he said.
“We are committed to safeguarding the Common Travel Area and the associated rights enjoyed by Irish and UK citizens - a commitment that is shared by the UK Government and supported by the EU,” he said.
Mr Varadkar said that if it was not possible to secure a close trade and customs relationship between the UK and the EU, then the Irish government would seek a unique solution for the North which reflected its unique history and geography.
“For our part, the Irish Government will discharge our responsibilities as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement,” he said.
“We will do all we can, in Brussels, in London and in Dublin, to achieve the best outcome for everyone on this island - to protect our peace, our freedom, our rights, and our prosperity.
“We must protect what has been achieved in recent decades through the Peace Process and with the support and facilitation of the European Union.
“The Good Friday Agreement and the European Union allows a dynamic and diverse region like the North West - with the city of Derry at its heart - to reach its full potential,” he said.
