Brexit deal ‘must have united Ireland clause’

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has insisted a united Ireland clause must be included in any Brexit deal, effectively allowing Northern Ireland to immediately rejoin the EU if it votes to reunify with the Republic.

Mr Kenny outlined the controversial position at a crunch meeting with European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels yesterday.

Speaking at a joint press conference which also heard Mr Juncker confirm he does not want a hard border between the Republic and Northern Ireland and Mr Kenny say he will represent Ireland at EU leaders Brexit strategy talks in early April, the Taoiseach said a United Ireland clause must be included in any EU-UK deal.