Deputy Brendan Smith meeting with Guy Verhofstadt, the Parliament's lead negotiator in the Brexit negotiations, this week in Brussels.jpg

Verhofstadt meeting “very valuable”

 

The local impact of the UK's withdrawal from the European Union was top of the agenda when one Fianna Fáil candidate in the European elections, Brendan Smith TD, met with the Parliament’s lead Brexit coordinator.

Deputy Smith described his meeting with Guy Verhofstadt as “very valuable”. The local political representative took part in meetings in the European Parliament, Commission and ALDE Group Headquarters in Brussels this week.

Other issues Deputy Smith raised included CAP Reform and CAP Budget, rural development funding, fisheries, EU digital economy, climate change and the forthcoming European elections.

“Guy Verhofstadt, reiterated to me his strong views in relation to the need to ensure no return of a border on our island. Obvious concerns were also outlined by Senior IFA and ICSA Officials in relation to CAP funding and impact of Brexit,” the Fianna Fáil TD said.

“It was good to catch up again with Jim Nicholson MEP and very appreciative of the extensive briefings given by Commission Officials on such a range of issues,” Deputy Smith concluded.