Brexit - the Pint of no return

Seamus Enright

A Cavan pub landlord, whose establishment in the heart of London, a mere stone’s throw from the Houses of Parliament, has “heard it all” when it comes to Brexit over the past week.

“We were packed,” says Gerry Dolan, from Killygar, Drumlane, recalling the flurry of activity after MPs last week overwhelmingly rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s withdrawal deal with the EU, forcing her to come up with a Brexit ‘Plan B’.
“It was unusual in that you had both sides trying to defeat the government, the leavers and remainers, they were both on the one side for once. It was very friendly.
“But I don’t know how long that will last,” adds Gerry, who runs the Westminster Arms with wife Marie.
The pub is located close to Downing Street, Horse Guard Parade, and St James’s Park, and part and parcel of The Westminster’s popularity is not just its proximity to the houses of parliament for thirsty chief decision makers, but for the fact the establishment boasts its very own division bell.
The chime provides an ever-so accurate ‘drinking-up time’ for politicians and civil servants, who have approximately five minutes to scurry back to vote.
“It was a big deal, because back then people didn’t have mobile phones, or apps or whatever,” explains Gerry. “The bell rang, and they all had to go back. They’re not going to go more than five minutes walk, which is why this pub is so popular.”
Gerry, who has been in London for more than a quarter of a century, previously ran the Red Parrot in Dublin with fellow Cavan-man TP Smith.
He is a regular visitor home and keen horseman, keeping several high-quality racing steeds with local trainer, Shane Donohoe.
Regarding his own opinions on Brexit, and the political path being taken, Gerry considers it to be a massive risk for little or no reward.
In gambling parlance, Gerry describes it the same as betting on a “two-horse race”.
“Basically what the Brexiteers are saying is we’re going to be the same as we are before, without being in Europe. The chances of that are slim, that we’re going to have actually, what we had already,” Gerry muses.
“So in a two horse race, if one is a 1/5 shot, and the other is 100/1, you might still back the 100/1 shot because you might get paid at 100/1. Whereas in fact, on this one, whatever way you look at it you’ll get even money.
“I think you don’t need to be the best gambler in town to realise that’s a bad bet! So I think the status quo is probably best left the way it is,” believes Gerry.
 

Second Referendum?

He feels voters should perhaps prepare themselves to saddle up for a second referendum, and it’s only down to the ongoing strife within the two main parties, with certain personal jockeying to usurp their respective leaders, that has placed the country in the position it now finds itself.
“I get it a little because I speak to the guys there. There is a lot of politics being played here, with Theresa May, and by everyone else.
“There are a lot of politics being played and people need to see that for what it is. If the Tory party wasn’t just slipping through, and Labour was a bit stronger, I don’t think you’d have any of this.”
 

Ale

Back to pub talk, and the Celt asks Gerry what the tipple of choice is for politicians debating all matters concerning Brexit. This, it emerges, is at least something on which the patrons can agree, as both Brexiteers and Remainers are fanciers of a pint of Spitfire Amber Kentish Ale.
“The plane that took on the German’s,” chuckles Gerry.
“We stock a large variety of real ales. Everything right up to Bishop’s Finger. If you had a few Bishop’s Fingers, you’d know all about it. You could vote several ways after a few of them,” he again laughs.
As for which party has the best drinkers? UKIP. “Without a doubt,” notes Gerry, who has a soft spot for former party leader Nigel Farage.
The former MEP having helped save the Westminster Arms during a dispute back in 2015.
“I had a problem with the landlords and Nigel actually jumped in, and he helped save the pub. He had every TV camera in town here the next day. So needless to say I get on well with him.”
Despite their affinity, Gerry admits the two do still argue occasionally over the counter-top.
“That’s the beauty of Nigel, you can argue with him. There are some you can’t. They’re stuck. But [Nigel] won’t butter it up for you. He’ll tell you what it is he thinks.
“I respect that, and I’ll tell him what I think. People should be allowed to express their feelings.”