Deputy Pearse Doherty has commended and paid tribute to the large number of People from all across Donegal and the northwest who attended last night’s Special Public Meeting to discuss Brexit and the All-Ireland Economy.
The meeting, which took place in Letterkenny’s Station House Hotel and featured contributions from members of the public, was chaired by Senator Pádraig MacLochlainn and included speeches from Sinn Féin’s Pearse Doherty and West Tyrone MP, Pat Doherty.
Speaking following last night’s meeting, Deputy Pearse Doherty said the meeting on Brexit and the All-Ireland Economy was organised to allow ordinary citizens from across Donegal and the northwest the opportunity to air their views and to voice their concerns in the wake of last month’s referendum which will, as was heard, have a number of very serious consequences for this island.
“As was evident from the many contributions which were made by those in attendance at the meeting, the implications of the Brexit vote have the potential to seriously affect every aspect of this island’s economic, social and political future, particularly with respect to the north.
“Issues such as cross-border trade, employment, farming, as well as our existing co-operation in terms of the health services, education and indeed in a number of other areas, were each discussed and raised yesterday by members of the public who spoke of their genuine concerns for what the Brexit vote will mean for them, their families and for their businesses going forward.
“Of major concern was the detrimental impact which the Brexit vote would have on the economies of both the north and south where currently some 200,000 jobs depend on the trade which is carried out between the northern and southern economies which generates some €1.2 billion euro worth of trade each and every week.
“Reference was also made last night to the fact that the majority of citizens in the north voted to remain within the European Union, and this is exactly why Sinn Féin has been to the fore in highlighting the democratic imperative which exists for their vote to be respected.
“At last night’s meeting, we also heard of how the vote also offers the opportunity for everyone to have a genuine and in-depth discussion on Irish Unity and the many benefits which a United Ireland would stand to deliver for the people of this island.
“This is a conversation worth having, and I must thank and commend everyone who attended and contributed to last night’s meeting of what is just the start of the many important discussions concerning Ireland’s future which will no doubt take place in the months and years ahead in the wake of last month’s referendum.”
