‘It’s wishful thinking!’ Irish minister slams plans for an 'invisible' border after Brexit
AN IRISH minister has slammed the idea of an ‘invisible’ Irish border claiming people will still slip through the net.
Mr Roche’s comments echo those of new Prime Minister Leo Varadkar
Dick Roche, who twice served as Ireland’s minister for European affairs under Fianna Fáil governments, criticised the notion as “wishful thinking”.
The idea put forward for the border would see it patrolled by camera recognition software and pre-approved cargo technology.
But Mr Roche warned this would ineffective against stop people and goods from getting through.
He compared the security measures to the Troubles when the border was heavily guarded by armed troops, which did little to stem the flow of contraband.
Mr Roche’s comments echo those of new Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who has taken a hardline over the border with Northern Ireland.
He called for more clarity over the issue, which has been already raised serious questions.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, Mr Roche said: “It’s wishful thinking; the reality of it is the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic is an extraordinarily porous border and always has been.
Dick Roche twice served as Ireland’s minister for European affairs
“We saw that at the height of the Troubles, when there was a very, very large British Army presence along there.
“It still didn’t stop illegal activities along the border and we know that that’s a reality.”
And Mr Roche backed the PM’s stance over an economic border between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Former Irish PM: The Republic of Ireland will never leave EU
It’s wishful thinking
He said: “I think he’s absolutely correct in being forthright in saying that it won’t work.
“There is a solution if everybody sits down and thinks in terms of an all-island solution where we can continue to have free travel for persons and with very little disruption, we could continue to have free movements of goods.”
He compared the security measures to the Troubles when the border was heavily guarded
He vented his fury over the perceived ambiguity, saying: “We still don’t know what the British government’s position is actually going to be.
“And this is so frustrating. I mean it’s boiling frustration under the surface here in the Republic because this is so critical for the wellbeing of the entire island.”
The idea put forward for the border would see it patrolled by camera recognition software
Mr Roche’s criticisms of the Brexit process may soon be answered, as the Government announced plans to publish a host of Brexit papers.
Theresa May plans to publish the documents in the coming weeks, covering key issues such as the border with Ireland.