“Finally I’d like to reiterate that while Ireland’s future lies within the European Union, Ireland’s strong and close relationship with the United Kingdom will remain”.
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“The Irish government will do our utmost in upcoming discussions to maintain the Common Travel Area and minimise any possible disruptions to the flow of people, goods and services between these islands”, Kenny told a news conference.
Scotland instead backed “Remain” by 62 percent to 38 percent, prompting First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to say that her nation “sees its future as part of the EU”.
Half-finished drinks and Union flags lie on a table at a A Leave.eu party after polling stations closed in the Referendum on the European Union in London, Britain, June 23, 2016.
There is also the issue of the impact of a weakening sterling and the effect on trade which is estimated at more than 1bn euro (£819m) between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland every week.
Questions will also now arise over what measures Great Britain will take in terms of patrolling the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic.
In many European countries on Thursday, newspapers pleaded “Please don’t go” while several monuments were lit up with the British flag.
Support in Northern Ireland for Remain had slumped from 75 per cent in late February at the polls to 56 per cent at the ballot box. Well done all who voted Leave.
London, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay but Wales and large swathes of England, particularly former industrial hubs in the north with many disaffected workers, backed a Brexit.
Wales, the fourth member of the United Kingdom, however, favoured Brexit as like England.
South Antrim MLA and national party chairperson Declan Kearney said: “English votes have overturned the democratic will of Northern Ireland”.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny said it has significant implications for Ireland.
Aside from being potentially robbed of its preferred filming locations, the hit HBO series will also face other problems if Britain votes to exit the EU.
Speaking on RTÉ television McGuinness said it was a “democratic imperative” that a region which voted in favour of remaining in the European Union should be given a referendum to determine if Northern Ireland stays in the UK.
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Tallies from one West Belfast box showed 80% of voters supporting Remain. I welcome the Prime Minister’s clear statement that Northern Ireland’s interests will be fully reflected in the British Government’s negotiating position.
