EM Ireland notes challenging Brexit negotiations ahead for new Taoiseach

Dublin, 15 June, 2017: European Movement Ireland has today congratulated Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, TD, on his election to the office and welcomed the announcement of his new cabinet.

Mr Maurice Pratt, Chairman of EM Ireland, in congratulating Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on his election, expressed the hope that the new Taoiseach would accept a time-honoured tradition of assuming the Honorary role of President of European Movement Ireland, and stated that the organisation looked forward to working with the Taoiseach in his new role.

“It is a great pleasure to congratulate Leo Varadkar, TD, on his election to the office of the Taoiseach. We know that the new Taoiseach is a committed European and I wish to express my support for his endeavours in the time ahead for promoting and advocating for Ireland’s continued strong engagement at the heart of Europe against the backdrop of many challenges.”

Executive Director of EM Ireland Noelle O Connell expressed confidence that the new Taoiseach will bring determination and skills to the forthcoming negotiations. “I wish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar best wishes in his new role and welcome his public commitment to keeping Ireland at the heart of Europe and to becoming an island at the centre of the world. These are very challenging times as Ireland seeks to ensure the best possible outcome in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations but I am confident that Taoiseach Varadkar and his new cabinet will continue to work on ensuring that Ireland engages constructively with all of our European neighbours.”

Ms O Connell congratulated newly appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Coveney, TD, who assumes the portfolio of Foreign Affairs and Trade with special responsibility for co-ordinating the whole-of-Government response to Brexit.

Ms O Connell also paid tribute to outgoing Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan for his committed work and wished him well in his new portfolio.