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The Taoiseach has warned of the potential for \u201cvery serious harm\u201d if people try to use Brexit as an issue to create dispute.<\/p>\nThe Taoiseach has warned of the potential for \u201cvery serious harm\u201d if people try to use Brexit as an issue to create dispute.<\/p>\n
Miche\u00e1l Martin said it had become clear in recent weeks what can happen \u201cwhen sectarian tensions are left to grow and are then encouraged by political events\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Fianna F\u00e1il leader made the comments at his party\u2019s annual 1916 commemoration at Arbour Hill Cemetery in Dublin.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin said: \u201cThe terrible scenes on the streets of Belfast have deep roots which we must challenge \u2013 and it falls to all of us to play a constructive and moderating role.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe understand that Brexit is one of the factors in this situation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Martin described the Northern Ireland Protocol as \u201ca fair conclusion to attempts to limit the potential destructiveness of Brexit on this island\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is complex, but it is nowhere near as complex as it is presented,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is not as complex as the thousands of Brexit issues remaining in relation to trade and other contacts between Great Britain and the European Union. Rules and connections developed over half a century don\u2019t come apart easily.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith good faith and co-operation, disruption can be limited and we can resolve outstanding issues.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cIt is important to say that very serious harm can come if we keep seeing people trying to use Brexit as an issue to create points of dispute or by presenting every single issue as a zero-sum, win-lose fight.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen this approach is followed in relation to UK-EU relations the damage it causes is primarily economic.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen it involves misrepresenting the arrangements for Northern Ireland the damage can go much further.\u201d<\/p>\n