Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Today, like others, I want to speak about the failure to reach a deal regarding the future of the Irish Border and the progression of Brexit negotiations, which was regrettable. Far from being a victory for any particular side, it would have offered clarity and certainty to all of us. The DUP-Tory deal was always going to end in disaster. It was cobbled together in chaos and is now delivering political chaos. One only has to listen to some of the interviews conducted with Tory politicians yesterday to see how they simply do not get it.Their grasp of the challenges presented by Brexit to the island of Ireland is limited because Ireland, let us face it, is of no real significance to many of them. That is why this Government must hold firm to what is best for Ireland and not be forced into reacting to the internal squabbles of the British Tory party.

One positive outcome to emerge from yesterday's shambles was the obvious interest and concern shown by so many sectors and groups right across the island. We now have a broad consensus on what is needed. Right from the beginning of this Eton mess, Sinn Féin has been clear and consistent in identifying the solution, namely, a designated special status for the North within the European Union. While I take Senator Boyhan's point, what he has said here today shows disregard for the very hard work being done by the MLAs, MPs and all people across the Sinn Féin Party. Just because we will not swear allegiance to a foreign queen and sit on the green seats of Westminster does not mean that hugely valuable work is not being done there at all times. While on the face of it, it might seem that the influence is not there, we seek every single day to work on and influence decisions that are made for the benefit of the people of the North and indeed right across this island. The designated special status would include membership of the Single Market and the customs union while ensuring a convergence of standards across the island.

The Good Friday Agreement is incompatible with a hard border exit. This agreement was arrived at after long negotiations and was overwhelmingly endorsed by the people of this island, whereas Brexit was rejected by electorate in the North. The Good Friday Agreement must be defended and has to be to the fore in the Government's strategy. The Taoiseach must stand firm and use his veto to defend the Good Friday Agreement.