- Opinion
- 12 Jan 18
Fine Gael Senator and spokesman on EU Affairs, Neale Richmond is calling for a new referendum. He made his comments after arch Brexiteer Nigel Farage said on British television yesterday that their should be a second referendum in order to put any debates around the contentious issue, once and all, to bed.
Senator Richmond said: “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.
“As recent months have shown, there is a distinct lack of any clear idea of what the post Brexit situation will look like.
“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.”