Ireland must redouble its efforts to attract overseas investment and expand business in light of the triggering of Article 50 by UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, according to Independent Alliance Junior Minister Sean Canney.
The Galway East TD, who has responsibility for the Office of Public Works, has acknowledged the significance of the triggering of Article 50, saying it is a ‘huge day in the history of the European Union’.
“While we respect the vote of the people of the UK, now that Article 50 has been triggered, Ireland must make sure we protect ourselves and our economy in the best possible way,” Minister Canney said.
The Minister, who recently returned from a St Patrick’s Day trade mission to China, said there are significant trading opportunities with Asian countries such as China and Ireland needs to work hard and redouble its efforts to secure these.
“Ireland will negotiate from a position of strength as an integral part of the EU team. We are prepared. We have been preparing since before the British even voted to leave the European Union.Our priorities are clear – minimising the impact on trade and the economy, protecting the Northern Ireland Peace Process, maintaining the Common Travel Area and influencing the future of the European Union.
“How we deal with Brexit will define the future of our island for decades to come. That is why we should seize every opportunity possible – both within Europe and further afield – to ensure that Ireland’s long-term economic strategy is protected,” he said.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.