EU Brexit Negotiator 'Must Hear Views From Across NI' - DUP/UU

The European Union's Chief Brexit negotiator, Michael Barnier, "must hear views from across Northern Ireland" when he visits the province this week, the DUP and Ulster Unionists have said.

In a joint statement issued by DUP MEP Diane Dodds and Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson, ahead of Mr Barnier's visits this week, the pair said: "It is a welcome development to hear that Michel Barnier will visit Northern Ireland next week. As MEPs we have always been gladdened by the support for Northern Ireland within the EU institutions.

"However we are disappointed that, whether by accident or design, the European Commission has allowed the visit of Michel Barnier to be announced to the public by a Sinn Fein MP.

"The challenge for Mr Barnier now will be to demonstrate that he will hear views from right across Northern Ireland. Whilst visits to Londonderry, Newry and Dungannon will be useful, there are companies and representatives from right across Northern Ireland with views that should be heard in this process.

"Northern Ireland has unique challenges and opportunities arising from Brexit. We have consistently said that the voices of all communities should be heard. Only then will this be a worthwhile and productive visit by the EU's chief negotiator and not a political stunt."

(MH)