Sinn Féin’s South Down MP Chris Hazzard this week met with the European Parliament Brexit Coordinator Guy Verhofstadt MEP in Stormont on Wednesday afternoon and in Dáil Éireann in Dublin on Thursday.
The South Down MP used the opportunities to speak with Mr Verhofstadt on issues relating to the border, namely the harmful impact such an EU frontier would have on the local agricultural sector particularly; and people in general throughout South Down.
Mr Hazzard said: “I want to thank Mr Verhofstadt for taking the time to visit Ireland, and for making the effort to engage with communities along the border corridor. Already at this point he has went further than any pro-Brexit British Government Minister, who evidently care little for the people of South Down.
“I was delighted to hear Mr Verhofstadt’s rock solid commitment to the free movement of goods and people across the border, and a passionate desire to represent local farmers, fishermen, business owners and students strongly in the Brexit process.
“Coming away from these engagements this week I am convinced that Mr Verhofstadt clearly understands the needs of South Down, of our local economy, and our local families. I look forward to engaging with him and his colleagues again in Brussels next month.”
