The Clare chair of the IFA claims Brexit is the worst crisis to face the farming sector in Ireland in a lifetime.
It comes after British MPs have voted to reject the backstop aimed at avoiding a hard border, calling on Theresa May to get it replaced with “alternative arrangements”.
Ireland and the EU are strongly opposed to this move, however, as Clare FM’s James Mulhall reports:
After British MPs last night instructed Theresa May to negotiate the removal of the backstop from the Brexit withdrawal agreement, Theresa May is now set to seek further concessions from Brussels.
She says some of her MPs have put forward proposals for alternatives to the backstop.
Today, the Taoiseach is waiting to hear from Mrs May, with the two leaders due to speak to discuss the way forward.
But the Irish government is standing strong on its stance – Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty says the backstop can’t be taken out of any Brexit deal.
However, the DUP, which props up Theresa May’s government, is adamant that she needs to deliver on an agreement that suits the North.
Their Brexit spokesperson Sammy Wilson says they’re clear about what they want.
The latest development has led to increasing fear among the farming community in Ireland, with Brexit high on the agenda at the IFA’s AGM this week.
The Association’s President said any No Deal Brexit, including a hard border, would lead to what he called “armageddon” for the beef sector, which is of vital importance to Clare’s economy.
The county’s IFA Chair Willie Hanrahan says Irish farmers will need support in that event, and he’s fearful of the impact of Brexit on the sector.
