Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I, too, wish to talk about Brexit today and I start by acknowledging the work of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Simon Coveney. He must be congratulated on his work to date. It is important that we continue to advance the interests of the Irish people, but we can advance the interests of the people and Irish Republic as well as advancing the interests of the people of the island of Ireland. On many occasions I have spoken about the great opportunities that exist in agriculture, food and many other economic sectors. One can win the hearts and minds of people when one talks about the mutual interests of people, particularly on the island of Ireland.

It is incumbent on all politicians to step back, rather than step out. It is clear that the British Prime Minister, Theresa May, is in a very difficult position and we must respect that. Clearly, she is in difficulty with the DUP. While we do not have to expect it, we must acknowledge that it is a fact. Prime Minister May has been backed into a very difficult place. Now is a time for cool heads and stepping back. We have waited long enough in this process so we should step back a little. It is unhelpful to be over critical of the political processes.

I am always conscious that Sinn Féin has a mandate and has sought election and mandate to the House of Commons. The party has chosen not to take its seats and sometimes I think that is a terrible pity. That is a personal comment from me but Sinn Féin has enormous leverage that it could use in these particular circumstances. I do not mean to criticise the party, but Sinn Féin has opportunities, because it has a mandate in terms of the British House of Commons elections. It is a pity to have a franchise and a mandate but not use the important leverage that brings.

This is an important but delicate time for Anglo-Irish arrangements and agreements, particularly in the context of Brexit. Let us not allow the issue to fall back into an orange versus green and green versus orange scenario. Let us not take a step back in that regard. This is a time for cool heads and to see how we can get this right. Let us move away from the narrow inward thinking mentality of orange versus green, and this goes for both sides.

Again, I acknowledge the work of the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade who has special responsibility in this area. It is important that he continues to steadfastly move forward. I thank him for proceeding to advance the interests of Ireland and, hopefully, the whole of Ireland.