Where is the substance in FF’s Brexit proposal – Richmond

Fine Gael Senator and spokesman on European Union Affairs Neale Richmond has called on Fianna Fáil to provide detailed tangible solutions for Brexit rather than making a proposal with no detail.

“This is a crucial period for Brexit negotiations and soon the period of getting a deal through will be upon us.

“At their party think-in, leader Micheál Matin spoke of the need for substance. I fully agree. So where is the substance in their proposal for a special economic zone for Northern Ireland?

“If they have any real suggestions to put meat on the bones, let’s hear them. It is time they actually engage the Government with detailed, realistic proposals,” Senator Richmond said.

“The Fine Gael led Government has held more than 2,500 meetings with counterparts in member states and European institutions. The Government’s position on Brexit is clear to all.

“Fianna Fáil need to work with their ALDE sister parties who sit at the European Council and in the European Parliament to assist in getting a deal through that limits the damage of Brexit.

“We need Fianna Fáil to take a proactive approach to Brexit, to work with Government to help Irish businesses and society in general to prepare.

“Softening the Brexit blow goes far beyond petty political point scoring. Fianna Fáil say they want to be productive and say they want to contribute well let’s see the evidence of that,” Senator Richmond said.