Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There was a high level of media spin that the Government was going to deliver big time. However, it is disappointing that at the first hurdle the Government has fallen short again. The record of this and the last Government in dealing with our European partners is not a good one. The European Council guidelines could have gone considerably further. We have all acknowledged the recognition of the special, unique circumstances faced by Ireland as a result of Brexit but a stronger approach by the Government could have achieved a great deal more at the weekend. It means there will now be a huge amount to do in the coming negotiations. I do not know if the Taoiseach will be around to follow that through or whether he will hand it to someone else, but this is only the beginning of the process.

The Government cannot do the lifting for the British Government. That is its business albeit we have, of course, many mutual interests and concerns and should try to get as much of this developed and built on in the time ahead.

Something I find a lot coming from the North, particularly in these unique times and since the Good Friday Agreement, is the responsibility of an Irish Government to act for all of the people of the island, and not just for the interests of this State but for everyone, particularly given the fact the people of the North voted to remain. This seems to be ignored. The people of the North had a choice. They could have voted to leave but they voted to stay. There are diplomatic and other challenges in how we go forward in this regard, and sensitivities within unionism and, perhaps, sensitivities in the British Government. However, this has to be the focus and vision of any Government worth its day.

I make the case again that the best way to secure our future is through designated special status for the North within the European Union. This can still be achieved, but only if it becomes the priority and objective of the Government. So far the Government has resisted this. What needs to be discussed with our European partners is how all of Ireland can remain part of the Single Market and the common travel area, how our EU funding streams can continue to be assessed and how the rights of Irish citizens in the North-----

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