18 April 2018
Brexit negotiations have reached crucial stage - O'Neill
“Brexit is not an Orange or Green issue, a majority of the people of the north voted to remain in the EU and all those who understand the impact of Brexit must stand on a common platform." - Michelle O'Neill
The Brexit negotiations have now reached a critical stage, Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O'Neill has warned.
The party's vice president made the comment during a debate in Belfast this morning organised by Agenda NI which involved delegates from across Ireland.
The Mid Ulster MLA spoke on a panel alongside representatives from the SDLP, Alliance and UUP.
The conference also features speakers from Deloitte, the Financial Times, Queen's University, Belfast and the Institute of Directors.
It was held as the President of the Council of Europe addressed the European Parliament and warned the British government that there would be no Brexit deal unless a solution to the issue of the border was found.
Addressing the conference, Michelle O'Neill said the impact of Brexit would be huge and it was hard to know where it will be felt most.
“We are now at a crunch time in the Brexit negotiations. The implications of Brexit will be catastrophic for all our people, for our economy and for our rights. It’s also hard to know where the impact of a Tory/DUP Brexit will be felt worse.
“Will it be on the economy which is forecast to forgo at least 12% of GDP growth? Will it be on our health service which can’t recruit the overseas workers it needs? Will it be on our politics as a result of a hardening of the border?" she asked.
The Sinn Féin Deputy Leader also called for a unified campaign involving all those who oppose Brexit.
“Brexit is not an Orange or Green issue, a majority of the people of the north voted to remain in the EU and all those who understand the impact of Brexit must stand on a common platform.
“Sinn Féin will continue stand with all sectors and progressives as we all need to make our voices heard.
“We will continue to work in the Dáil and with the EU 27 to make the case for designated special status for the north and for the democratic wishes of the people to be respected," she said.