TAOISEACH Enda Kenny has set out his stall for Britain to remain in the European Union in an article published in the Guardian. Here we've whittled his argument down to eight reasons why Ireland's political leader wants voters to vote Remain:
1. Ireland will become the EU's 'back door' to Britain
In the event of a Brexit, the EU's new western boundary would run from Derry to Dundalk, according to Mr Kenny, who claims a vote to leave the EU will mean the end of a border between Ireland and Britain, replacing it with a new border between the UK and the remaining 27 member states of the EU.
2. Ireland's relationship with Britain could get heated
Mr Kenny thinks preserving a strong relationship between the two countries would be more challenging if the UK left the EU, especially regarding the common travel area, which allows for the passport-free movement of people between these islands.
3. Brexit would whip up fear and encourage xenophobia
The Taoiseach believes the re-establishment of a hard border on the island of Ireland would be a step backwards and present an opportunity for others, with 'malign' agendas, to exploit for destructive purposes.
Taoiseach @EndaKennyTD writes in today's @guardian on Ireland's concerns about the impact of a #Brexit https://t.co/Y3s87ds0bO
— Embassy of Ireland (@IrelandEmbGB) June 21, 2016
4. The end of EU money to help growth in Northern Ireland?
The EU directly provides, and will continue to provide, much-needed funding to Northern Ireland – almost €3bn in the six years to 2020, helping the Northern Irish economy and supporting new sustainable jobs. If Brexit happens Mr Kenny suggests the money could be at risk.
5. Mutual economic growth would be put in jeopardy
Brexit would stem the flow of trade between Ireland and Britain adding costs and be damaging, according to Mr Kenny. If Britain leaves the EU he claims a restriction of the rights of free movement of labour would result in the introduction of tariffs and barriers would cost jobs and money.
Anything that gets in the way of that flow of trade (€1.2 billion per week betw. Ireland &UK) will add costs and be damaging - @EndaKennyTD
— Daniel Mulhall (@DanMulhall) June 21, 2016
6. Ireland and Britain come as a pair at EU summits
The UK and Ireland are 'like-minded' on EU matters, and the process of working together in Brussels has built an immense store of knowledge, personal relationships and trust between our governments, says Enda Kenny. He claims Ireland would be at a major loss if Britain was no longer at the table.
7. Ireland knows Britain the best
Mr Kenny claims Ireland is on closer terms with Britain than over any other EU member state, making it best placed to encourage voters in the UK to reject Brexit.
8. As a mate, he's urging Britain to give the EU another go
In stating his position on behalf of the Irish government, Mr Kenny said he is doing so as a close neighbour of the UK, a European partner and a co-guarantor of peace in Northern Ireland. And as a friend.
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