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)