Louth based Senator welcomes announcement on Windsor Framework

Louth based Senator Erin McGreehan says she welcomes the announcement it is very positive news that a conclusion has been reached between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

In a statement by Senator McGreehan, she says, "although I am hesitant about becoming too excited until we have it's clear acceptance and support from all unionist parties."

She continued: "This is a political agreement in principle between the European Commission and the UK government has been reached on the Windsor Framework. This constitutes a comprehensive set of joint solutions to address, in a definitive manner, the real-life concerns of all communities in Northern Ireland, while protecting the integrity of the EU Single Market.

"The solutions have been found within the framework of the Withdrawal Agreement, of which the Protocol is an integral part.

"These practical and sustainable solutions mark a new way forward on the Protocol and ensure legal clarity and predictability for people and businesses in Northern Ireland. The solutions strike the right balance between flexibilities and effective safeguards for the protection of the EU Single Market.

"They rest primarily on new data sharing agreements, arrangements on customs, agri-food, medicines, VAT and excise, State aid, as well as specific instruments designed to ensure that the voices of people of Northern Ireland are better heard on specific issues particularly relevant to communities."

The Fianna Fáil senator went on to say, "it is my opinion there is a need to give adequate time and space to the DUP leadership and indeed supporters to go over the entire document. There is however a fine line on delays on the returning to power sharing in the Assembly. The people of the North should have the expectation of a functioning democracy and that the mandate that they provided would be respected.

"Politics and moments like this require great leadership and when Northern Ireland needed strong leadership David Trimble stood up, took huge risks and ensured that the Good Friday Agreement was agreed and ratified. 

"My concern has always been focused on stability, progress, giving the people of the North the Assembly they elected and want to govern them. There is a time that we need to look at the entire saga of Brexit; the instability, the time, the effort, the insults, the false dawns, false deadlines, disappointments and be clear that it is in the best interest not to drag this out for much longer.

"Leaders must lead and politics must work.

Meeting with parties in Stormont this week with fellow Fianna Fáil TD Padraig OSullivan from Cork, Senator Erin McGreehan said that the politicians from Unionist parties were open to the agreement and hopeful that all queries in relation to the new Framework can be answered and worked through.