From top: Senator Neale Richmond; This morning’s ‘The National’
“If the Scottish people decide they want to be independent then of course we would welcome another small independent English speaking country into the European Union The strength of Europe is the strength of its diversity
It’s not just reliant on the strength of its two big economies of France and Germany, or indeed the UK, we look at small member states and what they bring.
Scotland is very similar to Ireland. You could argue that Ireland has been the most benign influence over the European Union in our 45 year history in it.
And from our point of view [another] small English speaking country with a dynamic workforce, which is very inclusive, very welcoming buys into what Europe is really about.”
It’s not just about trade, it’s not just about economics. It’s not about building walls. We as a member remaining in the EU have to think about what a future EU should be.
We have to make sure a future EU is warm, tolerant, open and welcoming. We don’t want walls going up, we don’t want fences and we don’t want the rhetoric of people like Victor Orban [the Hungarian prime minister] or Marine Le Pen [leader of the Front Nationale in France] – that is really retrograde.
As long as Scotland embraces the European mindset – as it is doing – Scotland would bring so much to Europe.
I believe a border poll would be a disaster, at the moment. One day sure I want to see a united Ireland but I’m not in a hurry for it and I’m not sure if the Republic can afford it economically. I think if we rush it through and did it in a bad way it would lead to civil disobedience.
Northern Irish politics at the moment is quite toxic. It’s not in a good place. I am very worried about [political stability there].
I am worried Brexit has thrown a very divisive wedge at the two communities. The vitriol between hard core loyalists and hard core republicans has increased.”
Fine Gael Senator Neale Richmond, chairman of the senate Brexit Committee, speaking to Scotland’s ‘The National’ newspaper as he attended the Scottish National Party (SNP) conference in Glasgow.
Richmond’s the guy who went to Wesley College as a schoolkid and then, as a senator, helped them get their hockey pitch courtesy of the taxpayer. There’s a word beginning with Irish phrase to describe politicians beginning with ‘g’ that describes him perfectly.
What a stupid timing for this
A red rag for a bull for may and well Arleen
It is language exactly like this that hardens positions
We seem to forgot the Ireland that was pre GFA an Ireland that political parties refused to share the same room let alone coming together to create a future
Do the bit about landlines again, david, that was pure gold.
Ireland getting ideas above its station about how important it is in the EU,thanks to encouragement from Druncker,Tusk et al as part of their negotiating plan.
Once Brexit is over Paddy will be discarded like a used condom.
Most English people would be delighted if Scotland were independent – it would save the massive drain on the rest of the UK( well,England mainly ) through paying subsidies through the Barnett Formula.
We could then sit back and watch a country without the Bank of England as guarantor and only a few years of North Sea oil left trying to raise money on the international markets – Scotland would go from being part of the 5th largest economy in the world to a third world potato republic in in one fell swoop.
Anway who is this Neale Richmond clown – I’ve never heard of him.
Whatever Poe. But, Without Scotland there is no Kingdom to unite.
What a stupid timing for this
A red rag for a bull for may and well Arleen
It is language exactly like this that hardens positions
We seem to forgot the Ireland that was pre GFA an Ireland that political parties refused to share the same room let alone coming together to create a future
Dunno what you people are getting your knickers in a twist about. It is practically a given that both NI and Scotland will leave the UK if Brexit happens. It’s no coincidence that both are the poorest parts of course but Brexit is a rich man’s game anyways.
” It’s practically a given …. ”
If you’re so convinced perhaps you’d care to share with us your theory as to how this will happen.
Surely you don’t think they’ll have a vote straight away,both NI and Scotland will vote for independence and it will happen just like that ?
Surely you can’t be that dumb.
Perhaps the poster is dumb after all.
Oh look at you mr nimble fingers, only took ten minutes before the barging started. Your employer must be really pleased with such response times.
Like most others, I have no wish to waste my time conversing with you. You are not funny nor insightful, you a professional troll and for reasons unknown, you are not just tolerated but encouraged on this site.
Venessa or John, would you care to explain why this is please?