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THE PRESIDENT OF the European Commission has stressed that there will be border checks between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
The United Kingdom would be responsible for the logistics of this border, Jean-Claude Juncker told Sky News.
There are still hopes that a deal will be agreed between the UK and the European Union ahead of the 31 October deadline.
Although frustration is growing among EU leaders at the pace of negotiations, Juncker himself said previously that it is still possible within this time frame.
With the clock ticking, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is due to meet British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at the fringes of the UN General Assembly, which gets underway today. It will be the second meeting between the two leaders as both sides try to reach a compromise that would lead to an EU-UK withdrawal deal.
Speaking to the Sophie Ridge on Sunday programme, Juncker answered with a simple ‘yes’ when asked if there would be a border if a deal wasn’t agreed.
“I myself am not an architect of new border stations,” he said.
The British have to tell us exactly the architectural nature of this border. I don’t like it, a hard border.
Juncker said that the Good Friday Agreement must be respected ‘in all its parts’:
The situation in Ireland has improved; we should not play with this. Sometimes I have the impression that some people are forgetting about the history. But history will be back immediately.
“We have to make the sure the interests of the European Union and of the internal market will be preserved. An animal entering Northern Ireland without border control can enter the European Union without any kind of control via the southern part of the Irish island. This cannot happen. We have to preserve the health and safety of our citizens.”
Speaking to RTÉ Radio 1′s This Week programme, Minister of State for European Affairs Helen McEntee said that the checks are necessary but must not pose a threat to anyone on both sides of the border.
She said it was “extremely difficult” to predict how the single market and Ireland’s place in it, as well as the Good Friday Agreement, can be protected when no deal is on the table.
The minister said it was positive that the United Kingdom that presented working documents to the European Union on how an alternative to the backstop could function, but she has yet to see them.
“We are willing to look at any proposals that achieves the same objectives as the backstop,” McEntee added.
Boris Johnson is expected to meet with out EU heads of state at the general assembly this week.
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Spoken from the heart. Condolences to you and your family Christy. Rip
The line “How can I protect you in this crazy world” comes to mind. God be with you and your family Christy. RIP.
I can’t imagine how difficult it is for anyone losing a loved one at this time especially from Covid 19 and not being able to see them. My Dad is in a nursing home thank God is virus free but it terrifies me the thought of it getting in there.
@Brianán McBride: Fingers crossed for you all Brianán. I can only imagine how difficult these times are for you.
@Logan Shepherd: thank you, my poor Dad has advanced dementia, I get to speak to him twice a week on What’sApp video which is very reassuring.
@Brianán McBride: Having some form of contact is great. Stay strong, and here’s hoping you soon have your arms wrapped around your dad.
RIP -safe journey
You could see in many a program I’ve watched about Christy when his dad was a live he was not just his father but a best mate. R.i.p.
@Nigel O’Connor: You’re actually having a moan about a guy who’s just lost his dad in this way? He’s relaying what it’s like for everyone who has gone through this, not just himself or his own family. Give your head a wobble. RIP Mr Dignam and condolences to the Dignam family and to all who have lost a relative to Covid 19 and have not been able to give their loved one a proper goodbye.
God bless you and your family xxx
RIP
A gentleman x
We lost my father in law late April from cancer, not covid..he was in a nursing home…great care..but at the end of the day after 83 years only 8 of us at the funeral was awful…not normal but we realize it could have been worse and I think for years to come it will haunt many many people..bless them.
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