Dialogue needed between Catalonia and Spain

Commenting on the Catalonian declaration of independence, Labour Party Leader and spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Brendan Howlin TD, has said dialogue is needed between Catalonia and Spain.

Deputy Howlin said:

“I’m not in a position to comment on the rights or wrongs of a Catalonian declaration of independence. That is a matter for the Catalonian people and the Spanish people.

“There is no solution to this problem other than direct dialogue between two parties. One sides mandate for the declaration is at best unclear, while the other that seems intent on solving that problem for their opponents.

“What we know in this country is that the alternative to dialogue is far worse than the compromises that dialogue entails. The sooner it begins the better.”