‘Spain has achieved greater negotiation leverage on the issue of Gibraltar with a veto than Enda Kenny achieved for Ireland’

THERE IS STILL TIME for the Taoiseach to achieve the same diplomatic leverage in the Brexit negotiations on getting the North of Ireland “Designated Special Status Within the EU” as Spain has regarding Gibraltar, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has said in Dublin.

“We have been appealing for a special status for the North with the European Union and get the type of veto that the Spanish got.

“We are appealing to the Taoiseach, to lift his game, put on the green jersey and insist that there can be no agreement in relation to the North without the Irish Government having the last say on that.”

The TD for the Border county for Louth and former MP for West Belfast was speaking on Sunday at a Sinn Féin strategy conference.

● Gerry Adams TD, Michelle O’Neill MLA and Gerry Kelly MLA brief activists on the Stormont talks

He argued that letter triggering Article 50 and the EU Council draft negotiation guidelines demonstrate the failure of Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s approach.

“The EU draft is vague and conditional. Much clearer commitments are required,” Gerry Adams insisted.

“Spain has achieved greater negotiation leverage on the issue of Gibraltar with a veto than Enda Kenny achieved for Ireland.”

Article 22 is clear and definitive, he said, in stating that, after Britain leaves the European Union, no agreement between the EU and the British Government may apply to the territory of Gibraltar without the agreement between Spain and the British Government.

“This is the type of veto the Taoiseach should have asked for for Ireland,” the Sinn Féin leader said.

“An explicit commitment for the North to be given Designated Special Status Within the EU is needed.”

The one-day conference was attended by several hundred activists and elected representatives from across Ireland, including Sinn Féin’s MPs and MEPs as well as local councillors and members of the Dáil, Seanad and Stormont Assembly.