Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Bruton. Clearly, he has vast experience in this area. When I was coming in this morning, someone said "he does go on, you know" but, as I said, he has much to say and a lot to offer. As I was reading this presentation, I was reminded yet again of the number of people who have asked about a simpleton's guide to Brexit. How can the punters understand it? I spoke to a number of people on the DART earlier today who expressed the view that Brexit is going to happen, that there is an inevitability about it and we should stop resisting it. We must accept that it is going to happen in some shape or form and determine how we can best protect ourselves. Several speakers referred to the impact on Northern Ireland but Brexit will have a devastating and catastrophic impact on the Republic of Ireland and indeed, on the island of Ireland. I spoke to an Ulster farmer the other day who said that he was not sure if he was loyal to the crown at all anymore. He said, "I am loyal to that crown; not the Majesty's crown". I thought that was a simple but strong and clear message. Money divides people but it can also unite people. The economy brings people together. Prosperity brings people together. We prosper in a safe, prosperous economy and country.

I am someone who never envisaged the possibility of a united Ireland but I think it poses great possibilities and opportunities for this country. When we look at Northern Ireland, the Good Friday Agreement and the commitments that have been made, if Britain pulls Northern Ireland out of the EU, it changes Northern Ireland's constitutional position. That has a huge impact in terms of the Good Friday Agreement. We know that we will have the land border between the EU and the UK, but there are complications to all of that. Look at Scotland. Scotland chose to remain in the EU. That is going to gather momentum because the economy focuses people. Funds and money focus people. The majority of the people of Northern Ireland voted to remain in the EU. That is really important. Some people may call that narrow nationalism or whatever, but at the end of the day it is about their lives and their families.

We have to keep this whole Brexit debate simple. We must have brevity and keep it simple. How is it going to impact on people's lives, their families, their economy and their business? That is really important. Sinn Féin is not here today, but it is interesting that its members have talked about a new Border poll. I think we are going to move towards that, which is no surprise. Mr. Bruton might be shocked at this, but I think there is a greater momentum for all of that. It could be argued, as the British Government of course will, that there is no tangible evidence that the people of Northern Ireland want that to happen, but I think it is coming closer and that is possibly a good thing. Mr. Bruton talks about opportunities. I see that as a real opportunity. I do not want to dwell on that point but I think it is important. Brexit threatens the key principles and objectives of the Good Friday Agreement. I want Mr. Bruton to talk about that and how he sees it. Does he accept or agree that it will have a serious impact on the constitutional position of Northern Ireland? With his experience I know he would have very strong views on that. I would like to hear them.

We also have to recognise that there has always been what I like to term a porous border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Some of that has not been regulated and there are other arguments about that. They are for another day. There is however a transfer of money, business and economy through the porous border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and that needs to be recognised and understood.

The Taoiseach outlined four key areas at the beginning of this process. He talked about minimising the impact on trade and economy, protecting the Northern Ireland peace process, maintaining the common travel area and influencing the future of the European Union. I want to start with that last one. Mr. Bruton talks about greater democracy within the Union. Why is France in this situation at the moment? Why is Britain in this situation? Mr. Bruton accepts, and has clearly outlined, the need for greater power, functions and engagement with national parliaments. That is a problem that has arisen. We need greater democracy within the European Union. I would nearly make a bet with Mr. Bruton that the next European elections in this country will throw up some very interesting results. There will be resistance, anger, discontent with the standard parties and also reactionary responses, which are not always good in politics, in respect of the European Union and the European institutions. I would like Mr. Bruton's comments on that.

Mr. Bruton's document was not numbered, but it has 22 pages in it. I see my colleague, Senator Reilly, is similarly numbering the pages. I want to reference two points in the document for Mr. Bruton.