British EU exit ‘must be considered’

Ireland needs to consider the issue of Britain’s potential exit from the EU and the difficulties it could cause for this country and other member states, a Government minister has warned.

European Affairs Minister Paschal Donohoe stressed if Ireland’s nearest neighbour was to leave the union, it would have serious political and economic consequences.

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Donohoe said debate was needed here following a commitment by British prime minister David Cameron to hold a referendum on EU membership.