Write a commentMichel Barnier, European Chief Negotiator for the United Kingdom Exiting the European Union visited InterTradeIreland in Newry this afternoon as part of his two day trip to Ireland, engaging with people living in the border area.
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Mr Barnier was greeted on his arrival by Ken Nelson Chairman of InterTradeIreland. Speaking briefly to the press outside before engaging in a private meeting he said "I am very happy to be in Newry, coming back to Northern Ireland in the context of this very very difficult complex and extraordinary negotiations of Brexit."
When questioned in relation to ongoing political tensions Mr Barnier wouldn't be drawn "I am here to listen, to dialogue, to understand, to respect all the opinions and to find the right way through technical, operational, practical solutions to maintain the all island economy, the Belfast agreement in all it's dimensions and also to find a way for no border between Ireland and Northern Ireland and also respect the single market and the Good Friday Agreement."
Posting on twitter this evening the Chief Negotiator spoke of an "enjoyable, engaging and enlightening day today in Dundalk and Newry" and thanked all those he met "Public debate & dialogue is essential in #Brexit negotiations."
