Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Tánaiste and the Minister of State for holding firm and for not giving in to the bullying behaviour we have witnessed over the last years, months and weeks. I commend the 27 member states who have stood by their word. When Michel Barnier was in the Dáil he gave a firm commitment at that time, and I acknowledge that he has kept his word. The very big difference this time with regard to our relationship with the British is that we are part of the EU. This puts us onto a different playing pitch. As we wait to see which orifice Mr. Johnson is going to talk out of on any given day we have to do everything possible to respect the wishes of the majority of the people in the North and to protect the welfare of our citizens right across this island in farming and in business, and for jobs and employment.

I shall now address Senator McDowell's suggestion on Sinn Féin taking up its seats in Westminster. It is a very simplistic attitude in a sense.