“A hard border would have very negative consequences and the Prime Minister understands”
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and British Prime Minister Theresa May have held a joint press conference in Government Buildings and the Fine Gael leader has been speaking about Brexit, his upcoming visit to the White House and the importance of maintaining the Common Travel Area with Northern Ireland.
Regarding relations with Northern Ireland , Kenny said that both he and Theresa May are committed to ensuring a a close and friction-free trading relationship.
Once again, the British Prime Minister reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that there will be no return to a hard border.
She stated that a “seamless, frictionless border’ is desired and that she will adhere to the policies that were outlined in the Good Friday Agreement.
Here are their comments.
Theresa May says there will be no return to a hard border and reaffirmed commitment to Good Friday Agreement
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 30, 2017
Taoiseach Enda Kenny outlines what he discussed with British Prime Minister Theresa May pic.twitter.com/CQy33Ou2TZ
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 30, 2017
Theresa May says she is 'personally committed to strengthening our relationship as the UK prepares to leave the EU' pic.twitter.com/1qrmQWEtOY
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 30, 2017
Regarding the Taoiseach’s highly-critiscised visit to the White House, Kenny said that while he disagrees with the recent immigration policies that the US has introduced, he is reluctant to jeopardise the relationship that Ireland has with the US.
Kenny cited the Irish diaspora and the prospects of the undocumented Irish people in the US as some of the factors behind his decision to visit the White House on St Patrick’s Day.
“It’s not about a visit to the President, it’s a symbol of the connection between the Irish people and the American people for two and a half centuries, covering a broad range of issues”, he said.
On another note, the Taoiseach has called for a “complete review” of the pre-clearance facilities in Ireland.
Enda Kenny says he intends to accept his invitation to the White House pic.twitter.com/oV5H5zPxJ9
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 30, 2017
Enda Kenny says he disagrees with recent US immigration policy – has asked for complete review of preclearance facilities in Ireland
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) January 30, 2017
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