Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach was enumerating what we did and did not know. One of the things we know but which he did not say is that Brexit will reshape the arrangements and relationships between the peoples of these islands, on this island and between us and the European Union. We talk about the national interest and an all-island vision. We need to stand by the vote of the people in the North. We need to ensure and argue for options other than Brexit. We need to argue for special designated status for the North within the European Union. Much of what the Government is arguing for is concessions for the North outside the European Union. That is not acceptable and does not show the imagination and vision required, especially if I go back to my primary point, that Brexit will reshape arrangements and relationships. Do we stick with the status quo, the old partitionist field entity, or do we look at other possibilities to move forward? I commend that approach and have done so, as has the deputy First Minister, not least because that is the result of the decision, democratically made, of folks in the Six Counties. I also remind the Taoiseach - I am sure he is sick listening to me make this point - that he has a responsibility above and beyond that of the Taoiseach and the Government which is co-equal guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement. The last North-South Ministerial Council-----

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