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TAOISEACH Micheál Martin has said that “we are on the verge of a no-deal” ahead of the decisive meeting between Ursula von der Leyen and Boris Johnson.
He told the Dáil that it remains to be seen whether the president of the European Commission and the British prime minister can “rescue the situation” in their talks.
The key sticking points remain the so-called level playing field provisions required by the EU for the future relationship with the UK and fisheries.
Tonight, Johnson tweeted a photograph of himself getting on a plane to Brussels before his dinner with Ms Von der Leyen.
He said: “There is much to do.”
But he also insisted that the UK “if we enter into trade deals similar to Australia or Canada, the UK will powerfully prosper as an independent nation.”
An Australian deal is the British government’s way of characterizing a no-deal clash.
Earlier in the Dáil, Martin was questioned about fisheries by TD Michael Collins of Cork South-West, who claimed that Ireland historically had a “weak hand” on the issue and asked: “Whose fish is Michel Barnier? [The EU’s negotiator] giving away in these negotiations?
Mr. Martin said that Mr. Collins’s “weak hands” language is “nonsense.”
The Taoiseach also said that the Irish government did not cause Brexit and that it was a decision made by the British people, recommended by their politicians.
He added: “In my opinion, it was the wrong move.”
He said there are implications for the Irish fisheries, but that “if we didn’t have an agreement, it would be a worse outcome for our fisheries.”
Martin warned: “Now, at this point, we are on the verge of a no-deal.
“It remains to be seen how tonight’s two directors, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, can salvage the situation in their talks.
“But it’s on the razor’s edge.
“It’s 50-50. There are tough issues around the level playing field and our own fisheries.”
He added: “I have met and engaged with fisheries organizations. There can be no doubt that we want to preserve and support our fishing industry in the strongest and most effective way possible.”
Online editors
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