Irish society and politics has been affected by a “a toxic mix of factional fighting”.
Immediately after the Brexit decision was announced, Gerry Adams took the time to give Her.ie an exclusive interview with regards to how he felt Britain’s decision to leave the E.U would impact Ireland, specifically in terms of Anglo-Irish relations and the very real possibility of border checks being reintroduced.
The Sinn Féin leader has vehemently opposed the fact that Northern Irish citizens- who voted to remain in the E.U – are not having their voices heard. Writing in The New York Times, Adams has reiterated his stance that Brexit has been imposed on Northern Irish voters while also criticising politicians like Michael Gove, Theresa May and David Cameron.
Here’s what he said:
“This referendum had nothing to do with Ireland’s economic interests, or even with reform of the European Union. Instead, it was precipitated by a toxic mix of factional fighting and leadership intrigue within the British Conservative Party and the rise of far-right, anti-immigrant groups like the U.K. Independence Party.”
“Leave campaign leaders like Michael Gove were also opposed to the peace deal in Ireland, which he once called a “capitulation.” The Tory Party’s presumptive new leader, Theresa May, believes that Britain should withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, which is a central component of the Good Friday Agreement.”
“In this Tory political game, the people of Ireland, our peace, economy and institutions, would all become collateral damage. By its reckless action, the British government has set aside the democratic consent that was central to the Good Friday Agreement and set a course that would fundamentally alter the relationships between the North and South of Ireland, and between Ireland and Britain.”
“The first and most obvious impact will be on the North-South border. In the past, this was marked by checkpoints, military bases and customs posts. Today, thanks to the peace agreement, the long stoppages and searches are gone, and the border is almost impossible to discern.”
“As a consequence of Brexit, that near-vanished border will become an international frontier between the European Union and an external state. Ireland’s economy and people will face the renewed imposition of checkpoints, as well as blocks to trade, services and the free movement of workers. Communities united by the Good Friday Agreement will be divided once again.”
If you care to read the rest, here’s the article in full.
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