Brian Hayes: We must prepare for Brexit

Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes has said politicians risk a “serious dereliction” of duty in failing to prepare for the UK’s potential EU exit.

Mr Hayes said he was satisfied it would be in Ireland’s interest to remain within the EU but said the “question must now be asked honestly” as to whether we could continue our membership without the UK.

In a speech to the Association of European Journalists in Dublin, Mr Hayes said there was no contingency plan in place and the absence of a government was hindering the such preparations.