Michel Barnier to talk to business leaders and lobbyists during Ireland visit

By Lesley-Anne McKeown, Press Association

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator is due to begin a two-day visit to Ireland later.

Michel Barnier will address the Dublin government's all-island civic dialogue in Dundalk before meeting business leaders and lobby groups.

The European Commission said: "Mr Barnier has already met unionist and nationalist politicians in both Brussels and Strasbourg, but the particular focus of this trip will be to meet business stakeholders from across Northern Ireland, including cross-border groups and companies in the border areas of Newry/Dundalk and Derry-Londonderry/Letterkenny and rural representatives in Dungannon."

Last week, unionist MEPs Diane Dodds and Jim Nicholson issued a statement welcoming the visit but expressed disappointment it was announced by a Sinn Fein MP.

Foyle representative Elisha McCallion said she was delighted Mr Barnier had accepted her invitation to visit her constituency.

The European Commission added: "Mr Barnier has received many invitations over the past year but this occasion forms part of a series of meetings Mr Barnier has across the EU to engage with stakeholders on the consequences of Brexit."

Mr Barnier visited the border in Co Louth last May.

Last week Brexit Secretary David Davis sparked a wave of criticism for failing to meet locals during a whistlestop visit to south Armagh.

His department also apologised for breaching protocol and not informing the Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady.