DUP urged to 'move back from the brink' of no-deal Brexit

by David Young, PA and Stewart Robson

The DUP must step back from the brink of pushing Northern Ireland to a no-deal Brexit, Sinn Fein has warned.

Party vice president Michelle O'Neill said she believes a "crash out" is looking increasingly likely.

"That is catastrophic, that is huge and we have been walked to that position by the DUP," she said.

Mrs O'Neill indicated her party would support an extension of Article 50, but only if there is a clear purpose for doing so, such as facilitating a second referendum or a general election.

Criticising her erstwhile partners in powersharing for opposing moves to take a no-deal off the table, Mrs O'Neill accused the DUP of prioritising party interest over the people of the region.

@sinnfeinireland's Michelle O'Neill says a no-deal #Brexit would be 'catastrophic', after assessing the UK government's tariff proposals released today. pic.twitter.com/a0cztIOCVP

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 13 March 2019

"They need to move back from the brink," she said at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

"They need to realise what they are doing to the livelihoods of the people here. To our economic prosperity, to our peace agreement.

"They are adding to the danger and the fear and the likelihood of a no-deal crash out.

"It is about time that they started to prioritise the livelihoods of people here over their own selfish party interests."

Meanwhile, DUP leader Arlene Foster is currently in the United States for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. She says she'll be talking to representatives about the ongoing Brexit process.

"There is a great deal of focus on Northern Ireland currently as we move towards the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union," she said.

"I will be briefing people about how we are striving for a sensible deal which works for every part of the United Kingdom as well as our neighbours in the Republic of Ireland. It is important that Dublin and Brussels are in deal making mode. "