Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I echo some of what Senator Norris said about Brexit. Yesterday I spoke about the desirability of this House sometimes expressing its views on these matters; we had a special committee on Brexit. It has not been sufficiently emphasised in Ireland what a tragedy Brexit is for Ireland within the European Union. Because the Government has naturally, as a matter of politeness, been driven to the position of accepting the outcome of the referendum in Britain and is saying it is a matter for the British people to proceed further, there has been a complete failure to emphasise in public discourse that Brexit is bad for Ireland. It will be bad for North-South relations and east-west relations, and for Ireland's position in the EU. I speak as a former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and former president of the European Union's council on justice and home affairs. We will lose one of our great allies in the European political process. People talk about ancient enmities between Ireland and Britain but it should be emphasised that in EU affairs, Britain and Ireland have been close as allies on so many issues. Each has been generous towards the other's position on many issues. We are losing a significant friend and ally at the Council table in Europe.

Some may empathise with the dilemma in which Mrs. May now finds herself. Our optimal outcome is that the Brexit decision be reversed. If Mr. Dominic Grieve, MP, a sensible conservative, has managed to prize open the brickwork to enable a reconsideration of that issue, our Government should be on his side asking that the British people be given the opportunity to reconsider their position. It has been stated that there is something undemocratic in asking the British people to reconsider their decision. However, on the night of the Brexit referendum, the head of the Brexit movement, Mr. Nigel Farage, thinking he had lost the vote, said it was only the beginning and that he would not accept the outcome. He said he would be back again and again to argue the point. There is nothing undemocratic about allowing the people to change their minds. Parliament can change its mind; why can the people not? We should be unequivocal from now on in supporting those in Britain who want to reconsider the issue. Ireland's interests require it and we believe in good faith that Britain's interests also require it. We should not be shy in saying, however embarrassing it may be for some in the Tory Party in England, that the people of Britain at least deserve the opportunity to reconsider the decision they made.