Ned O'Sullivan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept what the Tánaiste said. On the other hand, the British Prime Minister, Mr. Boris Johnson, has come up with the ludicrous proposal that there should be spot checks at various points on the island of Ireland. Instead of having one border, we would have a type of ten-mile demilitiarised zone similar to what was in force in the Rhineland after the First World War. That is obviously a non-starter and I am glad the Government dismissed the proposal immediately.

The whole world has been watching the shenanigans in Westminster in amazement. Under other circumstances, we probably would find such events highly amusing and entertaining, but the day is far too serious for that. The former Prime Minister, Ms Theresa May, secured a withdrawal agreement but, unfortunately, despite her best and valiant efforts, she could not get parliamentary support for her position. It is ironic that her main obstructor then is now, as Prime Minister, getting a dose of the same. Many say it is well deserved that Mr. Johnson is not getting his way in Parliament. The Tánaiste will agree that no form of Brexit is a good Brexit. It is not hard to envisage a time in the future when the British public will realise this, although it may be several years from now, when a lot of damage is done. I can see another referendum being held, because there is no long-term future for Britain outside the EU that compares with its current status.

It is encouraging to note the Tánaiste's remarks about preparedness. However, the anecdotal evidence is that his confidence is not shared by people in business. At any of the public meetings I have attended or the major fora where business people have a chance to express their views, it is clear that people are very worried. The transport situation is an issue that has been highlighted. I spent almost two decades as director of one of the largest port companies in the country and a major handler of bulk cargo. When port companies work well, they work exceptionally well. However, when things get snafued, they can get very bad. I am referring to a port on the west coast, which probably will not be nearly as badly affected as Dublin and Rosslare. I do not anticipate panic and I am not one to cry wolf, but I note the Government's indication that there will be some initial delays. I do not look forward to those delays at ports, and I suspect there is a lot more to this than we are being told. There is talk of turning a blind eye in the early days and that things will work out. That is not a good policy for Government.

My party will continue to put the country first. It is tragic that at such a time as this, the suspension of the Assembly means there is no voice for the people of the North. Such representation was never more needed. History will be hard on the main political parties who have contributed to this sterile situation and have failed time and again to restore the Assembly.