Brexit crisis pushes N Ireland to brink of new election The prospect of a UK departure from the EU will lead to new uncertainty and could lead to a snap election if the prime minister cannot resolve the issue with Brussels.
BRUSSELS — The prospect of a UK departure from the EU will lead to new uncertainty and will push Ireland back “to the brink of a hard-fought vote on independence,” Prime Minister Enda Kenny warned Monday.
The British parliament is due to leave the EU at 2300 GMT on Wednesday, after British Prime Minister Theresa May’s government was unable to persuade lawmakers to accept a deal to leave the bloc.
The British parliament is due to leave the EU at 2300 GMT on Wednesday, after British Prime Minister Theresa May’s government was unable to persuade lawmakers to accept a deal to leave the bloc.
Ireland has warned that it could have to take another political step to protect its interests at this stage of Brexit negotiations.
The UK parliament may also vote to delay Brexit, or trigger a general election, after its third attempt to secure a deal with European leaders failed on Wednesday.
The Irish government has also said it “highly likely” that Ireland could have to go back to the polls if Britain leaves the EU without a deal on Oct. 31.
The Irish government has said that a delay could be required.
“If the European Union does not guarantee that the UK will be able to trade with Ireland, then our position on the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland will be made much less clear,” a senior minister said.
“If the EU does not guarantee that it will accept the principles of the Good Friday agreement, or that the UK will comply with the terms of the agreement, then we will have to go back to the polls.”
However, the minister said talks could go on to resolve the issue, despite the prospect of a snap election.
“The EU will make their decision at the European Council in December. Whatever their decision will be at the 28-28 level of the European Council, our position will be made clear,” the minister said.