Where it gives the impression of haziness is in the fact that the report allows for three quite different scenarios. The report allows for the Northern Ireland executive and assembly to put in place “distinct arrangements” if they are necessary to uphold the 1998 Agreement. The assertion here that Northern Ireland businesses would retain “unfettered access” to the British market is reassuring for west to east flows. The implications for flows in the other direction (Britain to Northern Ireland) would depend on the future trading and regulatory decisions of the UK. The dedicated strand on Ireland and Northern Ireland in phase two of the Brexit talks is going to require just as much stamina as phase one.

Source: The Irish Times December 08, 2017 16:41 UTC