SDLP leader Colum Eastwood MLA led an SDLP delegation last night to meet with Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin TD and Labour Leader Brendan Howlin TD to discuss defending the democratically stated will of people in the North to remain in Europe.
He also held a discussion with the Secretary General of the Department of the Taoiseach.
Mr Eastwood will attend a meeting of European Leaders and Heads of State today in Paris to outline the importance of respecting Northern Ireland’s democratic mandate.
“A majority of people in Northern Ireland voted to remain in the European Union.
“As political institutions in London and Belfast remain paralysed by inaction, the SDLP is determined to represent the interests of people in the North and defend their democratically stated will.
“This evening I held meetings with Micheál Martin TD and Brendan Howlin TD to advance the campaign to defend the North’s place in Europe and to seek a cross-party consensus that no new borders are erected across this island.
“The meetings were very productive and it’s clear that we have an emerging consensus to defend the Irish national interest in the face of an isolationist agenda in Britain.
“The SDLP will continue to make the case for an All-Party Forum to tackle the challenges facing this island in the wake of the Brexit vote.
“A collective effort is needed to defend our common interests on trade, stability, security and prosperity and these should be centre of any negotiating position.
“No party, especially those that have opposed collaboration for decades, can hold a veto over that critical process.
“Tomorrow I will travel to Paris for the Party of European Socialists Presidency meeting.
“There I will make the case to European Heads of State for a special dispensation which reflects the will of people in Northern Ireland and meets our specific needs.
“Cooperation and collaboration are key pillars of the European Union.
“They must be key pillars of the campaign to defend the interests of our island and these islands.
“The SDLP will continue to lead that effort,” added the Foyle MLA.