Taoiseach says extension of Brexit date 'not inevitable'
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has dismissed reports that Ireland may be forced to comply with checks on exports to mainland Europe in the event of a Brexit no-deal.
He also warned that an extension to the looming Brexit date is "not inevitable" but any request for one must have a purpose to prevent any “period of political purgatory” for months.
Speaking as he arrived at the ‘All-Ireland Civic Dialogue on Brexit’ at Dublin Castle, he declined to comment on British prime minister Theresa May's strategy after another defining defeat for her Brexit plan in the House of Commons on Thursday night.
He and Tanaiste Simon Coveney both told reporters they believed now there are a group of Brexiteers intent on crashing out of the European Union, but that a deal is still possible. Mr Varadkar said:
“I think there is certainly a hardline rump of MPs who would like a no deal, who would like a clean break from the European Union.
"But I'm confident the vast majority of MPs in all parties, including the conservative party, understand the consequences of that and the enormous damage it would do to the economy and people's rights and freedoms."
Asked about suggestions that an extension of the Brexit date from March 29 to at least the end of June was now inevitable, Mr Varadkar also replied:
“I don't think it is inevitable. It is certainly possible, it is within the power of the UK either to invoke Article 50 or request an extension from the European Union. If there is going to be an extension, it needs to be with a purpose, with a view to securing and ratifying an agreement, putting the necessary legislation in place in Westminster, the national parliaments and also the European Parliament."
I don't think anyone would like to see this stalemate, or impasse or period of political purgatory continue for months and months and months.
He was also asked about a Reuters report which claims Ireland may be told by the EU that if no border is agreed or a plan to protect the single market, that Dublin may be obliged to agree to goods being checked on mainland Europe. Asked had talks taken place on such an option, the Taoiseach replied:
“No. Whatever happens, Ireland is going to stay part of the European Union. It is the common European home we helped to build. We are founder members of the single market. We can’t allow a decision made in Britain to leave the European Union to undermine our membership of the single market and customs union, which we will protect.
“I don’t see how it would avoid a hard border. It would create a hard border between Ireland and the European Union and that is not something we can accept.”
