Fianna Fáil should clarify if they want preparations for return of the border- O’Dowd

Fine Gael TD for Louth, Fergus O’Dowd, has called on Fianna Fáil to urgently clarify if the party is calling for plans to be drawn up for a return to a border on the island of Ireland.

O’Dowd said, “This morning Fianna Fáil’s Brexit spokesperson failed on three occasions to answer a question on radio on whether she wanted plans for a return of a border to be drafted.

“The Taoiseach and Tánaiste have been crystal clear that there will be no return of the border and we will not draw up plans for one. Now Fianna Fáil is either at odds with the Government’s position, or the new Brexit spokesperson is playing games with the most serious threat to the economy.”

O’Dowd said this contradiction in position has the potential to undermine Ireland’s negotiating position which has been consistent since long before the negotiations and throughout the recent political rumblings in London.

“So my question is simple, is Fianna Fáil saying we need to draft plans for a border?

“If so they need to be honest with the public and inform them about Fianna Fáil’s plans for a return of a border.

“If they are not then they need to stop playing petty political games at such a crucial time for Ireland.”