Ireland hosts Brexit fallout talks

LONDON (AA) – Irish prime minister Enda Kenny is hosting a forum to discuss fears of a “hard border” in Ireland after Britain leaves the European Union.
People in Northern Ireland voted strongly to remain an EU member in June’s referendum, but were outnumbered by voters elsewhere in the U.K.

But the Republic of Ireland will remain an EU member, meaning border controls may have to be reintroduced between the two jurisdictions on the island.

Some Irish politicians also fear the fragile peace settlement in Northern Ireland – a U.K. territory jointly governed by pro-British unionists and Irish republicans – could be destabilized by Brexit.

Opening Wednesday’s forum, Kenny said the U.K.’s departure from the EU was Ireland’s biggest challenge in 50 years, the Irish Times reported.

The talks are expected to cover the impact Brexit will have on trade, travel and the future of peace in Northern Ireland.

Around 300 politicians, business leaders, community representatives and academics are attending the Dublin event.

However, unionist politicians including Northern Irish First Minister Arlene Foster - who supported Brexit - refused to take part, describing the forum as a waste of time.