BREXIT will leave Ireland to fend for itself as Germany looks to expand its influence, Irish politician David Norris has claimed.
The independent senator and renowned gay-rights activist said Britain’s departure from the European Union will lead to a “lack of balance” in Europe which could harm smaller EU member states.
Mr Norris added that Irish people felt betrayed by Brexit because of the negative effects it will have on Ireland in the coming years.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, the Congo-born Irishman said: "Britain was a good neighbour and a good ally but now they have abandoned us.
"They left us to be ruled over by the Germans and the French, that’s not good for Europe!
“Britain was a balance and without Britain, there is a lack of balance in Europe.
"We won’t feel as comfortable as we did”.
He added: "I think a lot of the people of the smaller countries in Europe would like to give Britain a good kick but that’s not going to get us anywhere."
Mr Norris’ comments come as the UK’s Brexit secretary David Davis continues to pitch a transition deal to EU officials in Brussels.
The talks have failed to progress so far due to a growing disagreement over how much Britain should pay to seal its departure from the bloc.
Brussels chiefs have reportedly granted Britain between two and three weeks to set out how much it is prepared to dish out on over the 'divorce'.
The EU has repeatedly warned Britain that if it refuses to meet their tight schedule, Prime Minister Theresa May’s hopes of a March 2019 Brexit deadline will become “impossible”.
