Fine Gael MEP: 'Brexit result means break-up of Britain'

A SENIOR FINE GAEL politician says he believes the result of the Brexit referendum to leave the European Union – despite Scotland and the North of Ireland voting to remain – means the break-up of Britain is now a real possibility.

“Ultimately, the result of this vote is the break-up of Britain over the next five or ten years,” Brian Hayes MEP told Newstalk Breakfast.

Also speaking on Newstalk, Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Mary Lou McDonald TD (pictured) said the result is “hugely negative” for all of Ireland:

“The biggest issue that faces Ireland now is that 26 counties are within the EU and six outside. The consequences of it for agriculture will be immense, for investment it will have absolutely huge implications. We are now at a point where the issue of a border poll is necessary. It is in everybody's interests that Ireland advances together.”

Mary Lou McDonald said the situation in the North echoes that in Scotland:

“This matter of partition is now not just a concern for Sinn Féin or republicans, this is now squarely front and centre a matter of national concern and importance for all of us,” she said.

Mary Lou McDonald said the Brexit debate was fuelled by internal squabbling amongst Conservatives:

“The entire Brexit debate was not about the EU itself, or crucially how it has failed low and middle income families. I'm not a flag bearer for the status quo within the EU. The Brexit debate was about British tories fighting amongst themselves and others are now suffering the consequences.”