SINN Féin’s Raymond McCartney said Brexit is damaging to the economy across Ireland with the people of the North being hit the hardest.
The British Prime Minister Theresa May is to trigger Article 50 to take the UK and Northern Ireland at the end of this month.
The Foyle MLA said: “Brexit is damaging to the economy across the island.
“News that the economic activity is expected to slow will hit customers hard.
“The reality is that the people of the North are already paying the price of a proposed Brexit.
“It is impacting on their everyday lives and the rising cost of living, fuel and household goods is proof of this.
“Last week the British Minister Philip Hammond unveiled his budget which will see further austerity measures being implemented in the North. This will also pose a threat to the economy in the North.
“The people of the North voted to remain in the European Union, the people of North and South are better off in the EU, in the Single Market and no hard border.
“The Irish government need to stand up for the island of Ireland when they are negotiating with the British Government and the EU and secure special designated status for the North within the EU,” added Mr McCartney.
