Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, is set to speak on ‘Brexit and Ireland’ at a public meeting in Fermoy on Monday next, September 10 and anyone with an interest in Brexit is being urged to attend and raise their concerns and ideas with the Minister.
On speaking to The Avondhu in advance of the event, Pa O’Driscoll, Fine Gael candidate for the next general election who is organising the meeting, said this is a public meeting ‘open to all to attend’.
“Brexit is an important issue for the country. This meeting will be an opportunity for people to hear directly from the Irish Minister with responsibility for representing our interests in the European Union,” he said.
Mr O’Driscoll explained that Brexit is the most common issue that is being raised with him as he campaigns across North Cork.
“For most people the lack of a definite position from the British government is worrying. There is a genuine concern that a ‘no-deal’ Brexit could have a very negative impact on our economy. It doesn’t matter what area of the economy people are employed in, whether it is agriculture, manufacturing or services. The UK is our biggest trading partner. People are looking for clarity on what form of a deal is possible and how that will impact on Ireland”.
According to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) the impact of Brexit could be a loss of 40,000 jobs and a drop of 4% in economic growth over a decade.
Mr O’Driscoll told The Avondhu: “The warnings from the ESRI and others of the possible consequences of Brexit show the seriousness of what we are facing. The Irish government, led by Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney, have been successful in highlighting the special case of Ireland to our counterparts in the EU. Whether it is trade or the border with Northern Ireland, there is a recognition across the EU that Ireland will need to be protected as far as possible from the negative impacts of Brexit.”
ATTENDANCE IMPORTANT
O’Driscoll went on to urge anyone with an interest in Brexit to attend the meeting and raise their concerns and ideas with Minister Coveney.
“There are businesses across North Cork that will be affected by Brexit, and this is an opportunity for people working in those industries to be heard”.
The meeting will take place on Monday, September 10 at 8pm in Fermoy Youth Centre.
Anyone looking for further details can contact Pa O’Driscoll on 086-8113109 or at paodriscoll@gmail.com.
