Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It was not in the interest of Ireland, and certainly not in the interest of citizens in Northern Ireland. The term "special status" is very much rejected by unionists in Northern Ireland, and it is going to be very hard to achieve anything for Northern Ireland in these talks if the democratically elected representatives in that country do not want it and do not ask for it. The use of the term special status is unhelpful, counter-productive and does not serve our national interest and I ask people to use different language. Unfortunately, in these things language is very important, as it is in Northern Ireland where we must speak about the First Minister and deputy First Minister being co-equal and we have to use a small "d" instead of a capital "D" in the title. These things are also important. People in Sinn Féin should understand the importance of language. They understand it in Northern Ireland and they should also understand it in the European context. Everyone can talk about unique solutions and that we can engage on-----

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