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Leo Varadkar sends a message to America: Brexit is not a problem of our making

US Vice President Mike Pence during a joint news conference with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at Farmleigh House in Dublin. Liam McBurney/PA Wire
US Vice President Mike Pence during a joint news conference with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at Farmleigh House in Dublin. Liam McBurney/PA Wire US Vice President Mike Pence during a joint news conference with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar at Farmleigh House in Dublin. Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has told the visiting US President Mike Pence to tell Washington on his return that Ireland will stand its ground on the Withdrawal Agreement. 

Mr Pence was in Dublin as part of his first official visit to the country as US vice president.

He was greeted by Mr Varadkar and his partner Matthew Barrett at the front door to Farmleigh, the Irish state guest house in Phoenix Park in Dublin, and exchanged pleasantries.

Speaking during a press conference, the Taoiseach said: "Mr vice president, your visit to Ireland comes at a critical time in our history, with Brexit less than two months away.

"In so many ways, the UK and Ireland are deeply intertwined.

"The UK's decision to travel a different course to ours risks being deeply disruptive, especially for the people of Northern Ireland, where most people voted to stay in Europe.

"Divergence between the UK and the EU means that the return of a hard border on this island is a very real risk.

"I know that you understand the impact a hard border will have on us on this island - barriers to the free movement of people and frictionless trade, barriers to North/South co-operation and the risk that the Good Friday Agreement and peace will be undermined."

He added: "That is why we must stand our ground on the Withdrawal Agreement.

"An agreement which was carefully negotiated to overcome all these risks.

"So, Mr vice president, I ask that you bring that message back to Washington with you.

"This is not a problem of our making. It is one we want to solve - through an orderly Brexit and a Withdrawal Agreement that guarantees no re-emergence of a hard border on this island."

Mr Pence is a conservative who opposed gay marriage during his time in Congress.

In 2015, as Indiana governor, he signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which allowed businesses to act according to their religious beliefs.

It followed the introduction of same-sex marriage in the state in 2014.

Mr Varadkar made history when he became the first openly gay Irish head of state in 2017.

Speaking during the press conference at Farmleigh, Mr Pence said: "The United Stated supports the UK's decision to leave the European Union in Brexit.

"But we also recognise the unique challenges on your northern border and I can assure you we will continue to encourage the UK and Ireland to ensure that any Brexit deal respects the Good Friday Agreement.

"As the deadline for Brexit approaches we urge Ireland, and the EU as well, to negotiate in good faith with Prime Minister Johnston and work to reach an agreement that respects the UK's sovereignty and minimises disruption to commerce.

"The US will look to whatever helpful role we can play in helping to achieve that objective."

"Mr President Trump announced last week that when Brexit is complete the United States will have a new free trade agreement with the United Kingdom," Mr Pence said.

"So too we hope to have your continued support as we negotiate a new trade deal with the European Union.

"The United States is anxious to negotiate a free trade agreement with the EU that will lower trade barriers and allow our trans-Atlantic economies to prosper more than ever before.

"In the months ahead, Taoiseach, I promise you that we will continue to look for ways to renew our ties that bind our two countries.

"Increased cultural and educational exchanges will ensure the bonds of Irish and American friendship far into the future.

"Beyond our economic and security ties, the American people share something else with the Irish people - its history, its shared character and its common values."

The US vice-president signed a visitor book in the Farmleigh entrance hall before attending a lunch.

Farmleigh is a historic house holding important collections, an art gallery and a working farm.

Before lunch, the Taoiseach showed the Pences archival documents related to the Pence family in Ireland.

Among them was the National Army Recruitment Register, which contains the signature of the VP's grandfather.

The Taoiseach showed the VP and presented him with a framed copy of the page containing his grandfather's signature.

Mr Varadkar said the US has helped make peace possible on the island of Ireland and has played a vital role in protecting the Good Friday Agreement for the last 20 years.

Mr Varadkar also spoke of Mr Pence's strong family links to Ireland.

"Today we were able to show you the service records for your grandfather, Richard Michael Cawley, who served with distinction in the Irish Defence Forces during the Civil War," Mr Varadkar added.

"Your family's connection to Ireland is very real and very recent. The story of Richard Michael Cawley, however, is not unique.

"It is an example of the ties of history, kinship and friendship which link our two countries.

"A relationship that transformed the Atlantic from being an ocean of tears into a gateway to hope and opportunity.

"Our two countries are united today in our common interests, our shared heritage and our deep abiding friendship."