Sinn Féin : Ireland's place is in Europe - Martina Anderson MEP

29 January, 2016 - by Martina Anderson MEP

Sinn Féin MEP Martina Anderson has said leaving the European Union would be disastrous for the economy of the north.

Speaking at a conference she hosted in Belfast this morning, Ms Anderson said;
'There is no doubt that a British Exit from Europe would be bad for Ireland, particularly for the development of all-Ireland integration.'Partition would be reinforced, with the introducing of customs checkpoints, trading tariffs - all of which would have an adverse impact on all-island economic activity and cooperation. 'BREXIT would reduce the spending power of many sectors and none more so than the agricultural sector.'Given that the Common Agricultural Policy is the sole competency of the EU, there would be no more Single Farm Payment for our farmers and that would result in a loss of €2.5 billion euro. 'In addition, the North would stand to lose €982 million in Structural Funds which are crucial for SMEs, community regeneration and community groups the length and breath of Ireland. 'On the international stage the joint First Ministers market the North not just as a good place to grow and develop businesses but also as a gateway to Europe for US investors seeking access to the EU market with a potential 500 million consumers.

'As we face the potential dangers that a BREXIT presents, there is no doubt that we would be in a much better position if this island operated on the basis of a united, integrated economy and society.'