Mr. Dan O'Brien:

I fully agree with that. When the people who are deciding what they want do not know what they want, it is very difficult for us to know what we want. I will use slightly different language. It is rather difficult to be strategic when we cannot see the overall picture. Therefore, it is a question of tactical flexibility after the invocation of Article 50 at diplomatic and Government levels. It will be about looking at specific issues and prioritising issues. Ireland will have a limited role and input into the overall picture because there will be 26 other member states as well as the UK on the other side of the table. It will be a question of being flexible and choosing the issues where most influence can be exercised.

It is important to point out that Article 50 works under qualified majority voting. People have said that we will have considerable clout because we could veto it, but there is no veto on Article 50. There will be a veto when the EU-UK comprehensive trade arrangements are negotiated, but there is no veto on Article 50. That limits the options further.