Vincent P Martin (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairperson and welcome the former Taoiseach to this important discussion on the 20th anniversary of the enlargement of the EU. I have two questions for the iar-Thaoiseach and they are slightly related.

First, it is well-known that those who wanted Brexit most in Northern Ireland came from one political tradition. Would Mr. Ahern accept, ironically, that the materialisation of Brexit has brought a united Ireland a little bit closer than it was beforehand? We all know the majority in Northern Ireland did not want Brexit. However, those who did were from a unionist disposition. Would he accept that, ironically, an unintended consequence of their actions is that the possibility of a united Ireland is a closer reality?

Second, on the day of a stark reality, we see the European election posters throughout the capital city here for people who wish to be elected as MEPs. Is there more the Government can do to address the lacuna whereby the people in Northern Ireland will not have the opportunity to elect MEPs, for obvious reasons? Is there more we could do to improve that situation without the necessity of a constitutional referendum? Can we maximise the voice and make it a little bit more formal for the people in Northern Ireland who have voted to be part of the EU and would like more of a front seat in the consultation and decision-making of the EU family?