'Absolute DISASTER' Irish fume against possible return of hard-border after Brexit
IT WOULD be an "absolute disaster” if the hard Irish border returned after Brexit, locals have blasted.
Irish SLAM 'threat' of hard border returning after Brexit
Speaking to Channel 4 News, Irish citizens shared their concerns that the UK’s departure from the European Union could result in customs posts sparking conflict once more.
One man said: “Absolute disaster, we had the border for long enough and we don’t need [the] border anymore.”
While a second added: “It limits the capacity of northern Ireland citizens at least and rural communities.”
Meanwhile, one woman said they had had enough of the hard border and did not wish to see it return after Brexit as “everyone” in Northern Ireland voted to Remain.
It would be a disaster if the hard Irish border returned locals insisted
She said: “We would not be very happy at all. We were fed up years ago, all of this having to stop with your car… it delays your journey.
“The people in Northern Ireland all voted to Remain, they didn’t vote to go out.”
It comes as the Irish Foreign Minister has told his EU and British counterparts the prospect of a fenced border with Northern Ireland is "unthinkable".
Charlie Flanagan said an open border "is a must in all circumstances”, the official said Brexit was the greatest challenge facing the country since their independence as EU's chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, visited the border region on Friday.
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We would not be very happy at all
He said: "I say no to border posts, I say no to a hard border. But I am not saying anything different from Theresa May or David Davis.
"We have to work with the EU to make sure that the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland stays open – since 30,000 people cross it every day.
"It's the bridge used for schools, and families, and work, for sports and cultural pursuits."
Meanwhile, former UK prime minister Tony Blair said the Northern Irish border with the Republic of Ireland should be treated as a “special case” and called for the Common Travel Area between the two to be retained following the UK’s exit from the bloc.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland, he said it was necessary to come to a “special arrangement” before suggesting Britain could go back on Brexit altogether.
He said: “It is really important that we understand that the relationship between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland stands in a special situation and we need special arrangements in order to protect what we have achieved there.”
Mr Blair added: "I think this is where the negotiation is going to be toughest. But it really would be a disaster to have a hard border.
"I honestly believe, whatever my disagreements over Brexit with the present British Prime Minster and Government, I think they will do everything they possibly can to make sure that the border is not a hard border and that we have the most satisfactory and open border arrangements as possible."