Write a comment
Michel Barnier, Chief EU Brexit negotiator speaking to the press at InterTradeIreland in Newry in 2018. Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie

Letter to the Editor

None of us ever expected on June 23rd 2016 that our lives for years and years would be consumed by the decision taken on this date, that our newspapers, Tv's, Radio's, Social Media streams would be bursting with all the twists and turns of the fallout from Referendum Day.

None of us expected a decision to Leave.

Indeed none of us in BCAB ever thought that four years later, we would still have so much uncertainty about how Britain would ultimately leave the EU; Deal or No Deal?

The Tens of Billions that Brexit has burnt in its furnace, has only epitomized the hot and toxic atmosphere which Brexit has brought to politics, business and many communities and families.

Fortunately, Brexit has not been the wrecking ball in Border Communities in Ireland that it could have been; due to the commitment of BCAB we made sure that the Irish Border was at top of the political agenda both in Ireland and the EU.

The determination of Border Communities was to ensure we would not allow ourselves to be cut off from one another again, by not risking our Peace Process, but also to ensure that our All Island Economy was protected.

It was also the steadfast support given by political parties across this island, our friends in Europe and America to force Britain to compromise and sign up to the Irish Protocol, which ensures a Border in the Irish Sea.

This Protocol however is under significant strain, as yet again Westminster is determined to water down its commitments, and recently they thumbed their noses at allowing the EU to retain an office in Belfast.

Whatever happens in the weeks and months ahead, our core commitments must remain central, protecting our Peace and Building the All Island Economy.

Ireland must remain focused upon keeping our voice at the centre of Europe, and stand strong in promoting the EU values, which are, respect human dignity and human rights, freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law.

We ask no more than this.

Border Communities Against Brexit

Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.
Say something here...
or post as a guest

LATEST PHOTOS

The Bookshelf Comedy Night
Monday, 03 August 2026
The Bookshelf Comedy Night
Images: 12
Hits: 212
Wake the Giant 2026
Monday, 03 August 2026
Wake the Giant 2026
Images: 47
Hits: 636
Newry Goes Nashville 2026
Saturday, 04 July 2026
Newry Goes Nashville 2026
Images: 71
Hits: 1320
Newry Gateway Club Volunteer John McSherry retirement
Thursday, 02 July 2026
Newry Gateway Club Volunteer John McSherry retirement
Images: 19
Hits: 648
Boyds Stores Newry Maritime Association Tribute
Wednesday, 01 July 2026
Boyds Stores Newry Maritime Association Tribute
Images: 10
Hits: 1101

EVENTS CALENDAR

August   2026
M T W T F S S
          1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31            
   
0
Shares