Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We experienced euphoria last night on the announcement by Prime Minister, Theresa May, that a majority in her Cabinet backed the Brexit deal with the European Union. People were very happy with the deal and it is very satisfactory as far as Ireland and Britain are concerned. The UK got a tremendous deal. As I watched a live broadcast from the House of Commons this morning, it became clear that the situation is extremely grave. I could not be optimistic after watching and hearing the contributions and in light of the resignation of Dominic Raab, the Minister assigned to the negotiation of Brexit.

That having been said, we should be calm in the approach we take and not claim too much credit for this outcome. We compliment Mr. Barnier representing the 27 member states and the negotiators from the United Kingdom. The solution, which I fully support, involves an agreement with the UK on Ireland, free trade, etc. I am afraid the position looks very serious at the moment. Unfortunately, when the Prime Minister attends the European Council meeting of Heads of State on 25 November, she may not have the support of the majority of the House of Commons. This will probably lead to her replacement, followed by a general election and the new British Government, whoever that will be, will be back to the drawing board. I hope the government returned to the British Parliament, whether led by the Labour Party or another party, will have a clear majority and will be in a position to negotiate. It is extraordinarily difficult for the Prime Minister to find that the level of disloyalty among Tory backbenchers and in her government makes her position practically untenable. I regret having to make that observation. As far as a I can see, a new referendum will not be held but there may be a change of Government.

The question as to whether the seven Sinn Féin MPs take up their seats in the House of Commons is fairly irrelevant.