‘Ireland did not want Brexit and is determined to limit its damage to Irish society. But it is not afraid of an EU without the UK.’
This is according to the May 2018 report by UK in a Changing Europe on Brexit and Ireland (pdf).
The report looks at the key issues around Northern Ireland and Brexit, including;
- Public attitudes
- DUP and politics of Brexit in Northern Ireland
- The Good Friday Agreement
- The Irish border
- Economic implications of Brexit for Northern Ireland, and
- Future UK-Irish relations.
It argues that while the EU will not allow ‘cherry-picking’, it wants the Irish question solved to save the Good Friday Agreement and to prevent the Irish border issue spilling over into the trade talks.
Professor Anand Menon, Director of the UK in a Changing Europe says:
Behind the political theatre, the ‘Irish question’ is shaping choices that will have a profound influence on the long-term future of these Islands.