Reckless Pursuit of Brexit Endangers the North Again

Aontú Cllr Denise Mullen has condemned the once again reckless and dangerous actions of the Tories and DUP in trying to railroad through Brexit, refusing to countenance an extension to facilitate comprehensive negotiation, and the jeopardising of the people of the North once more.

Cllr Mullen: “Ireland is only beginning to emerge from a lockdown. The economy across the 32 counties of Ireland is suffering the effects of the pandemic, with many businesses not reopening at all and with many to fail in the coming months possibly. The last thing the economy needs is the economic fallout from a ‘No Deal’ scenario from a failure of UK-EU trade negotiations. Why then are the Tories and DUP acting in such a reckless manner, and will walk away from the table – deal or no deal – on December 31^st come what may? The reality is that the Tories and DUP do not care for the people and well-being of the North, they care only for their own political self-interests – regardless of the cost.”

“The EU has said no progress has been made, as the fourth round of talks begin. The economy will be hit with additional cost, red tape and bureaucracy once the transition period ends. Furthermore, the failure of talks raises the spectre of partition being reinforced by British soldiers – an unacceptable prospect for the 32 counties. The North is once more being treated like a political football in negotiations, with point-scoring and gamesmanship afoot to goad the other side into submission. When will the interests of the North be prioritised above all competing interests?”

“An end must be put to the reckless carry on of the Tory government and their Brexiteer allies. An extension period must be enacted to safeguard the economy of the North, and substantive negotiations must commence. Furthermore, a unity referendum must be commissioned within the next 10 years so that the Irish people are given a clear choice between being a reunited 32 county republic once more or being shackled to the sinking vessel named Brexit?”

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.