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Because the Republic will be affected by Brexit in terms of trade and potentially in terms of freedom of movement, they argue citizens should be allowed to vote on whether or not Article 50 is even triggered - and, if so, under what conditions. While Northern Irish citizens were allowed to vote in June’s in-out referendum because the state is a part of the United Kingdom, those living in the independent Republic of Ireland were not given as vote. Instead they were forced to watch on in concern as the UK voted to Leave the EU - albeit with Northern Ireland voting overwhelmingly to remain.

GETTY Brexit could be blocked by a referendum in the Republic of Ireland

“I think [a referendum in the Republic of Ireland] is unavoidable,” said Brendan Halligan of the Dublin think-tank The Institute of International and European Affairs. “If this treaty results in a major disruption to the Irish economy, a deterioration of the exchequer’s position and the introduction of UK tariffs on some sensitive Irish agri-food products, will the Irish electorate vote Yes? Unlikely.” UKIP Home Affairs Spokeswoman, Jane Collins said, "The British public voted to leave the EU and yet the Government is trying to replicate aspects of the law to sweeten the Brexit deal. Trade is currently clogged up with 700,000 pages of needless rules and regulations dreamed up by a system which is failing in every aspect of its work. "It's time Theresa May and the rest of the Government worked hard to get the best deal for the people and by walking away from a single market which is blatantly nothing like free trade. "If the EU wants to prove that it has the best interests of citizens at heart it needs to show that it is willing to get around the table, negotiate and do what the electorate want. "Businesses all over Britain are set to benefit from Brexit, however if the Government continues to pander to Eurocrats by imposing their ridiculous sanction rule book then they are only set to cause the economy harm. "It's about time Great Britain got back to running its own affairs rather than this incessant, needless, time and money wasting organisation dictating their policies to an increasingly frustrated public."

GETTY Irish leader Enda Kenny standing in front of the Irish and European Union flags

Professor Gavin Barrett, speaking at the same seminar attended by Mr Halligan, agreed a referendum in Ireland could take place. He said: “The consequences of getting that decision wrong are very severe. If there is even a strong possibility that a referendum is needed, then you have to have a referendum.” Prof Barrett did concede, however, the likelihood of such an controversial vote taking place were slim.

GETTY Northern Ireland's citizens were allowed to vote on Brexit - unlike those in the Repbulic

He said: “In principle, I don’t see any particular reason why a shrinkage of the European Union should trigger a referendum either.” Other attendees at the think tank's seminar also dismissed a vote taking place in the Republic of Ireland. Catherine Day, former director general of the European Commission, said she did not believe triggering Article 50 would require an Irish vote.

London Brexit Protest Continues Thu, February 2, 2017 Brexit protest: Thousands take to London's streets in pro-EU protest 'March for Europe'. Play slideshow PA 1 of 11 Remain supporters demonstrate during the March for Europe rally in Parliament Square, London

She said: “You can never get away from the fact that even if you don’t have to have a referendum, sometimes people propose them.” Brexit has divided opinion in the Republic of Ireland - which remains one of the UK’s few remaining EU allies due to long-standing social and economic links. While Prime Minister Theresa May has said a special travel area will remain between the two countries, and confirmed there would be no return to a hard border with Northern Ireland, Brexit has nonetheless unsettled politicians and citizens alike.

GETTY Brexit will have a harsh economic impact on the Republic of Ireland