DUP leader Arlene Foster backs PM's vision for Brexit
Mrs Foster was speaking after what is probably the Prime Minister’s most important speech yet on Brexit, which she gave yesterday in Italy.
In it she said a smooth Brexit by the official date of March 29, 2019, was not possible, so a transitional period of two years would be required.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdShe also re-stated there will be no physical infrastructure on the Irish border.
Mrs Foster said it had been “a positive vision” but urged that Brexit proceed “without undue delay” and that future EU payments be minimised.
The UUP’s Steve Aiken said the address helped restate the case for the Republic to build stronger relations with the UK, however TUV leader Jim Allister warned that a two year transition gives more time for “remoaners” to derail the process.
The address was also described as “constructive” by the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, though he said clarity was still needed on the UK’s “special responsibility” for the effects Brexit will have on the Republic.
Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also said it was a “genuine effort” to move things along, but Sinn Fein’s Gerry Adams said the address “failed to deliver or impress”.