A Sinn Fein delegation led by Party President Mary Lou McDonald has met with Tánaiste Simon Coveney to seek clarifications regarding the Brexit deal agreed between the European Union and the British government.

Speaking following the meeting Teachta McDonald said:

“I welcome the fact that an agreement has been reached.

“I am satisfied following a meeting with An Tanaiste Simon Coveney, that there will be no hard border on the island of Ireland and no veto will be given to the DUP.

“It is important to note that there is no such thing as a good Brexit. Ireland did not consent to Brexit. It is being foisted on the north of Ireland against the democratic wishes of the people.

“As a party, Sinn Féin has worked to defend Irish interests from the worst impacts of Brexit.

“It was Sinn Féin who first made the case for a ‘designated special status for the north within the EU’ and it was Sinn Féin who insisted on the protection of the Good Friday Agreement and no hard border on the island of Ireland as bottom lines.

“Any deal can only mitigate the worst effects of Brexit; a least worst option.

“The ultimate solution to the problems Brexit poses for the island is Irish unity. We want that conversation to start now.”