“The prospect of Northern Ireland being forced out of the European Union against its wishes is an insult to the democratic mandate of those living here,” SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has said.
Mr Eastwood was speaking at an SDLP event which featured Dankse Bank economist Angela McGowan, Stephen Gethins MP from the SNP, John McGrane from the British Irish Chamber of Commerce and David Phinnemore, Professor of European Politics.
Speaking at the event held in The MAC in Belfast, the Foyle MLA warned leaving the EU would “cause great injury to future economic prospects.”
Mr Eastwood said: “The 56% who voted to remain part of the European Union in the North are looking for leadership and direction.
“The SDLP is determined to give voice to that constituency of people. The current political limbo in London must not deter us from immediately exploring every avenue which protects the interests of this island.
“I have spoken to President of the European Parliament Martin Schultz and will be holding meetings with Micheal Martin and Brendan Howlin in Dublin.
“A collective effort is needed if we are to protect our collective interests. We must all work together to protect this island's place in Europe.
““It is disappointing that the First Minister is not prepared to accept and act upon the democratic decision of people in the North. However that must not deter us.
“Arlene Foster does not have a veto on what engagement should happen across the island. Intensive North-South engagement is now a necessity.
“The First Minister is also ill advised in warning the Irish government not to represent Northern interests in the forthcoming negotiations.
“The uncomfortable truth our First Minister must eventually face is that the 56% who voted remain welcome any intervention which is designed to protect the economic and social benefits flowing from EU membership.
“Many of those people come from the unionist community. The Irish Government has a positive duty to represent all Northern citizens in the coming negotiations.”
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