Hard Brexit will isolate nationalists, warns John Bruton

Former Taoiseach John Bruton has warned a hard Brexit will leave nationalists in the North isolated and cause difficulties. However, he said it was dangerous to talk about violent repercussions from Brexit.

He also believes Ireland can take advantage of Britain’s exit by trying to poach business, specifically asset-management firms. However, a specific strategy was needed to target firms, he said. In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Bruton said it was preferable that Britain held a second referendum on leaving the EU, as a lot of British had voted thinking “nothing serious” would change.

A post-Brexit Britain-EU trade deal could also take 10 years, Mr Bruton said, agreeing with recent comments by a British envoy to Brussels.