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18/09/2018
Sinn Féin Calls On Irish Govt To Stand Firm On Backstop
Sinn Féin has called on the Irish government to stand firm on the backstop agreed between the British government and the EU last December.
Deputy Leader Michelle O'Neill said: "The Chequers Plan put forward by Theresa May would not resolve the issues around the border and protecting the rights of people in the north of Ireland.
"It also falls considerably short of the backstop option which her government has already accepted and agreed to.
"We need to see the backstop maintained and indeed built upon to ensure the north remains in the customs union and the single market but we also need to see it enhanced to include rights protections.
"That is the message I will be taking to Michel Barnier when I meet him alongside representatives of other parties ahead of the October summit.
"Theresa May's focus remains on the civil war in her own party instead of focusing on negotiations with the EU.
"More than 18 months into these negotiations and with time running out Theresa May still shows scant regard for Ireland, for rights, our economy or our Agreements.
"The Taoiseach said a few months ago that citizens in the north would never be left behind again.
"The Irish Government, as an EU member state which is party to this negotiation, has to stand firm on the backstop agreed between the British government and the EU last December as this is the only insurance policy the people of the North can reply upon."
(MH/CM)
Deputy Leader Michelle O'Neill said: "The Chequers Plan put forward by Theresa May would not resolve the issues around the border and protecting the rights of people in the north of Ireland.
"It also falls considerably short of the backstop option which her government has already accepted and agreed to.
"We need to see the backstop maintained and indeed built upon to ensure the north remains in the customs union and the single market but we also need to see it enhanced to include rights protections.
"That is the message I will be taking to Michel Barnier when I meet him alongside representatives of other parties ahead of the October summit.
"Theresa May's focus remains on the civil war in her own party instead of focusing on negotiations with the EU.
"More than 18 months into these negotiations and with time running out Theresa May still shows scant regard for Ireland, for rights, our economy or our Agreements.
"The Taoiseach said a few months ago that citizens in the north would never be left behind again.
"The Irish Government, as an EU member state which is party to this negotiation, has to stand firm on the backstop agreed between the British government and the EU last December as this is the only insurance policy the people of the North can reply upon."
(MH/CM)
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