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TAOISEACH Micheál Martin warned that the next 72 hours will be critical for a Brexit free trade deal, as he urged both the UK and the EU to “back off the edge” and let common sense prevail.
Martin, speaking in Cork, stressed that the consequences of a no-deal Brexit would be hugely damaging for Ireland, the UK and the EU.
He welcomed the decision by Brussels and London to continue negotiating, but said he was more hopeful than optimistic.
“In my opinion it is extremely important and imperative that both parties do everything they can to avoid a ‘no deal’ Brexit because a ‘no deal’ Brexit would be very detrimental to the UK economy, to the Irish economy, the EU economy, workers and companies who need certainty and who need clarity and I think it is good that they continue the talks.
“I do not underestimate the difficulties and challenges faced by both groups of negotiators, but in my opinion, where there is a will, there is a way.
“It is very important that they do everything possible to reach an agreement.
“The actual deadline, of course, is the end of the year when the British government and the British people leave the EU without a transition period, leave the customs union and the single market, but obviously the next few days are crucial in terms of the practical aspects of giving effect to any agreement reached “.
He said Ireland would clearly lose in a “no-deal” scenario.
“People may not realize it, but we are Britain’s fifth largest market – Great Britain exports € 38 billion to Ireland – China comes next with around € 30 billion.”
And for us, of course, we also export hugely to Britain and in the agri-food industry we have a particular dependence on the UK market so we have no illusions about how damaging and ‘no deal’ Brexit would be for us and for Brittany. “
“I really hope that an agreement can be reached and, in my opinion, the fact that people keep talking is a good sign.”
“I think there is hope as long as people keep talking and I welcome the decision of Ursula von der Leyen and Boris Johnson to continue the talks and to tell their negotiating teams to stay with us.”
“It all depends on a level playing field and fishing and a dispute resolution mechanism to govern a level playing field and, in my opinion, it is possible to reach an agreement. And I think both parties should continue to do so until they do. an agreement”.
Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said both sides wanted a deal and were making little progress. “It’s a matter of days,” he said. “A deal can be made.
“I think the last few days have been very difficult for both negotiating teams and there is enormous pressure on them to… find a way forward.
“I think it is important to take the positive things, because there have been a lot of negative things in the last few days. It is good to hear both the (British) Prime Minister and the (European) Commission President describe the discussions as “constructive and useful”, rather than lively and interesting, which is what we got a few days ago.
“The fact that they had a joint statement today is also a sign that they are working to try to find a way forward together, which is how this is going to be done because it is not one side that beats the other, with a clear winner and clear loser “.
That joint statement by Boris Johnson and Ursula von der Leyen spoke of both sides going further in the talks, which now have no deadline but must certainly end in triumph or disaster this week.
Michel Barnier, the EU’s chief negotiator, will brief the ambassadors tomorrow morning on the latest situation.
Johnson issued a pessimistic note in London, saying that a no-deal outcome – that is, negotiating under WTO rules from January that involves swinging tariffs on both sides – remains the “most likely” outcome.
Online editors
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