Protocol issues remain source of "considerable concern"
A local TD said the ongoing dispute over the Northern Ireland Protocol is a source of "considerable concern" but was heartened by the efforts to resolve outstanding issues.
Deputy Brendan Smith was speaking after a visit to Belfast this week in his capacity as Chairperson of the Party’s Committee on Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement.
The Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan was joinedp by Clare TD Cathal Crowe, Senator Niall Blaney from Donegal, Senator Erin McGreehan from Louth and Dublin City Councillor Briege MacOscar.
Brendan Smith commented: “This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and we were keen to hear at first hand from political parties and civic society groups how the Agreement is viewed at present and the extent of the current challenges.
“There is no doubt that the present situation is one of considerable concern. Brexit and its consequences, especially the protocol, are sources of significant pressure and tension.
“However, despite these challenges there is an ongoing desire for engagement and discussion. Everyone wants to see the Assembly restored and a fully functioning Executive put in place. It is critical that the issues surrounding the protocol are resolved as soon as possible and efforts to do so must not let up.”
Engagement
He said that all the delegations they met expressed a "strong desire" to work closely with An Tánaiste Micheál Martin, and the ongoing engagement by former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern was "strongly commended".
“Ongoing and regular engagement, both formal and informal, will be essential in coming weeks and months," said Deputy Smith.
"While no-one denies that things are vastly much better than they were before the Good Friday Agreement, there is much still to be done to realise the potential of the Agreement. As Chair of the Fianna Fáil committee on Northern Ireland and the Good Friday Agreement, I look forward, along with party colleagues, to working constructively and positively to help the maximum potential of this historic Agreement.”