Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

We have to stand up for ourselves. We have to be bold. We have to tell Europe that we have been exemplary Europeans who have looked after all Europe's interests and that it is now time for Europe to return the favour and look after this country's interests and people and respect us as a sovereign nation. I do not know the intricacies of what is happening with the Border and mainland Britain, but we need to fight our corner. We need to be tough. Get on the boxing gloves, Minister.

See this speech in context