Recognise nationalist rights in the North, says Cowen

The rights of people with strong nationalist aspirations must be properly recognised in the North, former taoiseach Brian Cowen has insisted.

He made his remarks alongside two other ex-taoisigh, Bertie Ahern and John Bruton, at a special Brexit conference in Dublin. Together, the three men oversaw government for more than 17 years.

Mr Cowen also directly criticised British prime minister Theresa May, telling the audience her inconsistent approach to Brexit and the negotiations was unhelpful.