NORTHERN Ireland could be at the centre of a new 'Celtic association' in a post-Brexit, pro-EU alliance involving the Republic and Scotland, according to a former Stormont assembly deputy speaker.
Jane Morrice, a former vice-president of the European Economic and Social Committee and a one-time Women's Coalition MLA, has said a "creative compromise" encompassing Ireland and an independent Scotland would bring "advantages in terms of access to EU markets, cross-border trade, historic ties and close cultural connection".
She said the new federation could also "override the difficulties posed by a new border between England and Scotland".
In an article in The Irish Times, the former assembly member said the outcome of the EU referendum "threatens the integrity of the UK and the stability of the Irish peace process" and that Brexit has caused the greatest "constitutional challenge" to Britain and Ireland since partition.
Ms Morrice, who polled 1,719 votes when she stood as an independent in last year's European election, said people "may learn to grin and bear" the consequences of Brexit or "look to Labour to hold a second referendum to establish Britain's European destiny".
However, as an alternative she argued for a "creative solution that might serve to satisfy everyone" that reflects the "spirit of European compromise".
"By bringing Scotland into the north-south Irish equation, the alliance could help strike a balance between divided loyalties in Northern Ireland," she said.
Meanwhile, it has emerged that people travelling from Britain will need to declare cash of €10,000 (£9,049) or more when entering the north after January 1.
HMRC said the declaration can be made online up to 72 hours in advance and will be required for cheques and bankers' drafts, as well as notes and coins.
