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Danny Kennedy warns a second referendum would be very polarising

UUP European candidate Danny Kennedy.
UUP European candidate Danny Kennedy. UUP European candidate Danny Kennedy.

THE Ulster Unionist Party's European election candidate has said a second Brexit referendum would be "incredibly polarising".

Danny Kennedy said another poll would damage people's faith in the democratic system.

"We are at a critical juncture in the history of politics across the United Kingdom," Mr Kennedy said.

"The consequences of it (second referendum) might only deepen division in Great Britain and Northern Ireland in particular.

"What happens if the people of the UK confirm again that they want to leave? Do those unhappy with it keep going until they get the result they want?"

With UUP MEP Jim Nicholson having announced he is to retire after 30 years in politics, there is a major push by Alliance, SDLP and the TUV to snatch the seat.

Meanwhile, SDLP leader Colum Eastwood, who is his party's candidate, has challenged the DUP's sitting MEP Diane Dodds, to a public debate on EU membership.

"Mrs Dodds has cast doubt on the central theme of my campaign that we are so much better off as part of the European Union. If this is genuinely her view then I can't think of a credible reason why she would hesitate to take up my offer of a public debate," he said.

"If the DUP agree, I'm prepared to clear my schedule and to take part in such a debate anywhere across the north and at any time during the course of the next 10 days."