Enda Kenny must come away from Theresa May meeting with result

Enda Kenny must come away with some win or result, writes Juno McEnroe

The significance of Theresa May’s visit to Dublin today, though brief, cannot be underestimated.

It may be one of Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s last face-to-face meetings with the British prime minister ahead of her triggering Article 50 at the end of March, marking the beginning of Britain’s exit from the EU.

In trying to tease out as much detail as possible about a hard Brexit, Mr Kenny will be guided by what the Tory leader said in her major 12-point Brexit speech this month.

While not giving away too much on Britain’s regard for Ireland and the North, she reiterated that nobody wanted to “return to borders of the past”. Indeed, that’s the wish. But she didn’t rule it out.

She did emphasise the need to keep the common travel area between Ireland and Britain. But this is partially determined by changes if Britain leaves the single market and customs union, a scenario the EU would move swiftly to address. It is also unclear how important the CTA is, given it was number four in Ms May’s Brexit speech.

While pressure continues on the Taoiseach and Merrion Street to seek a side deal or pre-Brexit bargaining terms with Britain, there is still an element of ‘don’t rock the boat’ coming from Government Buildings. European Affairs Minister Dara Murphy told the Irish Examiner that the peace process would be top of the agenda for the meeting with Ms May.

He said both sides would concentrate on the “unique” and special relationship between both countries.

“The trade issue is complex and will take many years,” added the Cork North Central TD.

Barriers to trade must also be avoided, Mr Kenny is expected to suggest. This follows growing apprehensions, especially among food producers and farmers, that hefty World Trade Organisation tariffs could be slapped on Irish produce going into Britain.

Ms May though won’t land here unencumbered. During the day, she will meet leaders of the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and the North. And while government sources last week revealed Downing St rejected an invitation for her to address the Dáil, the stress is on the fact that Ms May is visiting Dublin at all, especially given the fact her predecessor only came here during the Queen’s visit.

International attention will be on Ms May too, given her contentious meeting with US president Donald Trump on Friday

In fact, the whole Brexit-themed meeting, talks on the peace process and upcoming elections in the North could be overshadowed by disturbing developments with the immigrant ban in the US.

Crucially, Enda Kenny must come away with some win or result. He is under pressure to appoint a Brexit minister and faces criticism over preparing for Brexit.