Labour will support Govt efforts to minimise negative impact of Brexit on Irish people

I wish to express my extreme disappointment following the outcome of the UK referendum on EU membership.

In time I think it will be seen as a tragedy for its people.

While today is not the day for taking definitive positions – so much of what will happen now is unknown, our first obligation will be to minimise the negative impact on the people of this island and my party will support the Irish Government’s efforts in that regard.

Labour remains committed to an open border and an open trading relationship with the UK.

My party remains deeply committed to Ireland’s membership of the European Union.