DEAR SIR: Due to the special ties that exist between Ireland and the UK, a serious debate must take place in Ireland on our future after Brexit, as we cannot trust the EU to do a deal on our behalf. There is too much at stake. The implications of a bad deal, or even no deal, are huge for this country, especially in the agriculture and food sector.

We have seen the difference that the peace process has made to our island and it is a great tribute to everyone who has brought that about – there has been a huge dividend for all our people, north and south. But the situation with regard to Brexit is now a very serious one for the Irish people and the economy, and we must be pro-active in the talks which will take place with the UK. The present political shadow-boxing between our Taoiseach and the DUP may be good theatrics for the media to report on, but is of little benefit unless it achieves positive results for us and the economy.

It would be very concerning if the EU is allowed to negotiate with the UK on Brexit on our behalf. Of course the UK will look for the best deal for the UK and the EU will look for the best deal for the EU, all of which may not be the best deal for Ireland. We have seen how poorly the EU treated us during the recession and we will get no favours from them now, judging on what has happened in banking, with the bondholders and our bank debt. We can do a trade deal with the UK if needs be, but we must be there in the talks and not outside commenting from the sidelines while the UK and the EU debate our future.

It appears that a hard border may be on the cards and we have to be ready to deal with that if it comes about. There are so many ties between Ireland and the UK that we must be centre stage in the negotiations and take the lead ourselves. There is too much at stake for our economy and for the agriculture industry in particular to allow the EU to negotiate on our behalf because they won’t get the best deal for Ireland, as we are only small fry in the whole scheme of things.

It is vital for our economic future to tell the EU what we want out of these negotiations and not be bending the knee like good little citizens, bowing and agreeing to their whims at every turn as we have done in the past. We need to stand our ground and get a good deal for Ireland on Brexit, and think of ourselves for once, as no one else will. We need to get a deal that is on our terms and beneficial to our people and the economy.