Brexit would ‘severely damage Irish trade’ - Sean Kelly

Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly has said a British exit from the EU would "severely damage Irish trade".

Mr Kelly, a member of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee, said there was “no doubt” a Brexit would be negative for the Republic.

“The UK is Ireland’s largest European trading partner,” he said. “UK-Irish trade is valued at around €1 billion a week by the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce.

“There is no doubt that a No vote in the UK’s referendum on EU membership would be negative for Ireland.

“Aside from the equally crucial political stability in Northern Ireland and along its border with the Republic, trading on the island of Ireland would also be dealt a blow.

“Around €3 billion worth of goods cross the border each year, according to Intertrade Ireland, but that strength of trade depends on the peaceful, soft border that currently exists.”

His comments come after a survey by the Irish Exporters Association showed 95 per cent of its members believe the UK should stay in the EU, while 90 per cent of Irish exporters surveyed already trade with the UK.

“Notably, 60 per cent of respondents say their business has already been impacted by the weakening of the sterling. Even more (79 per cent) are concerned about possible volatility in the coming months, and 84 per cent agree a Brexit would have a harmful effect on Irish exporters.”

Mr Kelly added Irish people living in the UK will be able to vote in the upcoming referendum and could have a positive influence.

“UK census information estimates that about 6 million people living in the UK can claim an Irish passport,” he said.

“Those Irish citizens understand the importance of our trading relationship with the UK and the benefits of EU membership like free movement, streamlined regulations and tariff-free trading in a market of 500 million consumers.

“The vote on the day is up to those citizens entitled to vote and the decision is ultimately up to them.”