Ian Marshall (Independent) | Oireachtas source

With that as our starting point, we must decide what comes next.

There is a message we are missing because there is a notion, in a Northern Ireland context, that by leaving the European Union opportunities will open up within Great Britain. I refer to markets for industry, business, manufacturing, construction and so on. The reality is that these opportunities exist now. Why do we not capitalise on and maximise those opportunities now while we are still part of a big trading bloc? I see no reason the British Government or the Northern Ireland Executive would even consider life outside the European Union.

In times of global insecurity, taking into account the United States, Russia, China and Syria, serious concerns arise over the United Kingdom leaving Europe and becoming very exposed. Strength and unity, involving Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, are imperative. Even though the clock is running down, there is an opportunity to go back to the people in the United Kingdom and let them decide. Ultimately, it is the people who will be affected.