CLAIMS by Ian Paisley jnr about the level of trade between Ireland and Britain have been branded "totally erroneous".
In an article suggesting that the Republic considers joining the British government in leaving the EU, the DUP's North Antrim MP said that "over 60 per cent" of the south's goods and services are traded with the UK.
The article appeared on the pro-Leave Brexit Central website and was reproduced in the Belfast Telegraph.
"The Republic could play things to its advantage by arguing that in the post-Brexit EU, it should be the lynchpin in the relationship between the EU26 and the UK," he argued.
"But it has so far failed even to recognise that it needs to change tactics, let alone adopt a strategy to milk Brexit for all it is worth – it’s actually quite depressing, as the Irish politician and businessperson have always been adept at turning disadvantage to advantage."
Mr Paisley told the BBC that the figures had been presented to Westminster's Northern Ireland Affairs Committee and had been "sourced by Trinity university".
However, when The Irish News asked the DUP to verify the MP's claims and to produce the research on which his assertions were based, there was no response.
Fianna Fáil foreign affairs spokesman Darragh O'Brien claimed the figures quoted were "nonsense" and "totally erroneous".
He said the level of exports from the Republic to Britain was "closer to 14 per cent".
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation in Dublin was unable to provide The Irish News with export figures by the time of going to press.
Mr O'Brien claimed the DUP MP's arguments did not stand up and he was surprised they had been published without a citation.
The Dublin Fingal TD added that he was "perplexed" by Mr Paisley's "new-found concern for the Republic's welfare".
"Rather than quoting outlandish figures and ridiculous suggestions about Ireland leaving the EU, I think Ian Paisley should be focussing on the problems Brexit will signal for his constituents, especially those working in the agrifood sector," he said.
"Farmers in Northern Ireland are more reliant on EU subsidies than their both counterparts in the south and in Britain, and when the UK leaves the EU that level of payment is far from guaranteed."
