'˜No pot of gold at end of Brexit rainbow'

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has strongly criticised Brexit supporters who believe that if the UK leaves the EU all the money that it sends into Europe will make its way to Northern Ireland for the benefit of farmers and fishermen.

By The Newsroom

Published 21st Jun 2016, 11:06 BST

Updated 25th Aug 2016, 16:32 BST

Addressing Northern Ireland Office (NIO) Minister Ben Wallace, Mr Durkan said: “Has the NIO Minister heard how many of us are so appreciative of the difference that EU membership has made to the border economy and not just to funding in Northern Ireland under programmes, but to funding models?

“Has he heard others say that that will be dwarfed by the bounty that we will receive as money is redirected to Northern Ireland instead of Brussels? Does he believe there is a crock of gold at the end of the Brexit rainbow?”

He replied: “Northern Ireland benefits extremely well from money that it receives from the European Union. There is no pot of gold at the end of the Brexit rainbow, so I suggest that we get on and focus on what is right for Northern Ireland, which is remaining in the European Union.”