11/01/2018

FG Senator Richmond Backs Farage's Call For Second Referendum

Fine Gael's spokesman on EU Affairs, Neale Richmond, has agreed with former UKIP leader Nigel Farage that there should be a second referendum vote on Brexit.

Speaking on Channel 5's The Wright Stuff, Mr Farage said he was leaning towards the idea of a second referendum to "kill off" the Remain campaign for a generation.

Senator Neale Richmond said recent months have shown there is a "distinct lack of any clear idea of what the post Brexit situation will look like".

"When the British people voted in 2016 they were given a choice of a clear option of staying within the EU and continuing with the prosperous status quo or a vague utopian vision pushed by the Leave campaign that the UK would be better off outside the EU," he said.

"Various models and examples have been discussed but the British Government has pursued with an unclear agenda often undermined by mixed messages from within their own cabinet.

"A far more sensible approach would be for the British people to vote on two clear options, either remaining within the EU or whatever final agreement is reached by the ongoing negotiations. Leaving for the sake of it, regardless of the terms of any agreement, would be an idiotic move that could be monumentally damaging to all parties but particularly Ireland.

"I am dumbfounded to find myself agreeing with Nigel Farage on anything but for once he is right, the British people should vote again and they should vote on two clear options."

(LM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

14 March 2024
Alliance Calls For Action To Protect Young People Online
The Alliance Party has called for action to help young people faced with blackmail or similar situations online.
08 April 2024
Over 660 Motorists Found Speeding Over Easter Bank Holidays
More than 660 motorists were caught breaking the speed limit across the Causeway Coast and Glens during the Easter bank holiday weekend – an increase of 22% from 2022. Chief Inspector Sinead McIldowney said: "The Safety Camera Vans were deployed at various locations across the North Coast and the increase in these detections is a worrying trend.
12 May 2016
Britons Living In Ireland Urged To Vote In UK EU Referendum
British Citizens living in Ireland have been urged to register to vote in the upcoming British referendum on membership of the European Union by the 16 May deadline.
08 March 2010
Legion Remembers Murdered Sappers
Members of the North's Royal British Legion, flanked by standard bearers, have laid poppy wreaths at the gates of a British army base where two soldiers lost their lives exactly a year ago. The solemn memorial service was held yesterday to mark the first anniversary of the deaths of two soldiers shot dead by dissident republicans.
16 June 2016
Irish People In UK 'Could Decide Referendum' - FG
Irish people living in the UK have been urged to "get involved" in the last week before the Brexit referendum on 23 June.