SINN Fein president Gerry Adams has said the British government's referendum on EU membership matters to people on both sides of the border.
The Louth TD was speaking following criticism by senior DUP figures of Taoiseach Enda Kenny for saying a 'Brexit' would create serious difficulties for Northern Ireland.
First Minister Arlene Foster said the referendum was a matter for voters in the UK and not the Republic.
Mr Adams said: "Unionist protestations at Enda Kenny's comments on Brexit are entirely self-serving.
"The Taoiseach is right and entitled to make remarks about Brexit under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement and in the context of its likely impact on the island of Ireland.”
He added that Sinn Féin’s attitude to the European Union is "one of critical engagement".
"Our approach to Brexit is dictated by the fact that a part of this island will be significantly adversely affected by it.
"Whatever the people of Britain want is a matter for them. But a vote by Britain to leave the European Union poses a substantial risk to the economies of both states on this island."
