Beyond Brexit: future looks uncertain for Ireland on many fronts
Anglo-Irish relationship faces raft of challenges and State to lose key ally in Brussels
The decision by Britain to leave the EU has thrown up enormous challenges for Ireland. Of all EU member states Ireland is the country most economically exposed to Britain’s imminent departure. Photograph: Walter Zerla/Getty Images
On January 22nd, 1972, the then Irish taoiseach Jack Lynch and British prime minister Edward Heath stood side by side in the grand surroundings of the Palais d’Egmont in Brussels.
Both men were present to sign the accession treaty of their respective countries to the European Economic Community (EEC), paving the way for a new phase in their countries’ history.