Opinion

Northern Ireland must have a voice on Brexit

It is already clear that in terms of Northern Ireland, we are seeing a very different style from the new taoiseach in comparison to his recent predecessors.

While behind the scenes diplomacy may have been the order of the day in previous years, Leo Varadkar has now decided that a more direct approach is needed.

That has been apparent in exchanges over arrangements for the post-Brexit border which has led the obviously irritated DUP to accuse him of `megaphone diplomacy'.

For his part, the taoiseach has pointed out it is not his job to design a hard border for the Brexiteers, which is a reasonable position from his perspective.

Mr Varadkar's first official visit to Northern Ireland as taoiseach was always going to be significant but he made sure his speech at Queen's University yesterday sent out some clear messages.

It was a carefully crafted, wide-ranging speech, which invoked Edward Carson and Winston Churchill - references undoubtedly aimed at a unionist audience.

He also took care to emphasise cross-border links and cooperation and the importance of building bridges.

But the speech contained two core themes - dealing with Brexit and restoring power-sharing at Stormont.

He correctly identified Brexit as `the challenge in our generation', telling his audience that `every single aspect of life in Northern Ireland could be affected.'

The taoiseach is plainly impatient to see progress made in the current negotiations between the UK and the EU, warning: ``Time is running out and I fear there will be no extra time allowed.''

Mr Varadkar emphasised he did not want to see an economic border on the island of Ireland `nor one between Ireland and Britain.'

While we have yet to hear firm proposals from the British government on the shape of the border, Mr Varadkar came to Belfast yesterday armed with what he called `practical solutions.'

One was a possible EU-UK customs union, similar to that which exists with Turkey. He also proposed a `deep free trade agreement' with the option of a transition period during which time Britain stays in the single market and customs union while matters are worked out.

Certainly, these proposals are worthy of discussion and are a serious contribution to the debate.

Mr Varadkar was also anxious to press for the restoration of the executive and cross border bodies, rightly underlining the disadvantage we face in having no voice speaking on behalf of Northern Ireland citizens as the Brexit negotiations continue.

As for the taoiseach and Theresa May getting directly involved in the Stormont talks, that would be a welcome step which would put some much-needed impetus into the stalled process.

As Mr Varadkar pointed out, the clock is ticking on Brexit and we need politicians speaking up for Northern Ireland's interests.