Brexit - "a profoundly unfriendly act"

Brexit is a tragedy that will see all EU member states forced to dig up the past, rather than build the future, warned the former Taoiseach of Ireland John Bruton in London on 12 June 2017. He was speaking at the annual Henry Grattan lecture that is organized by Trinity’s School of Social Sciences and Philosophy. The Ambassador of Ireland to Britain, Daniel Mulhall, opened the proceedings, while Trinity’s Professor in Political Science, Gail McElroy, chaired the talk.  

John Bruton

Mr. Bruton began his political career in 1973, as the parliamentary secretary, in the Government headed by then Prime Minister Liam Cosgrave. Over the course of more than three decades, he has served in the Government of Ireland in different capacities before becoming Prime Minister, in 1994, a position he held till 1997. 

European history

Since the time of Reformation five hundred years ago, England has historically tried to take up the role of maintaining the balance between contending powers in Europe. To that effect, it has used its naval strength, and the overseas colonies. In fact, England has historically considered itself such an integral part of continental Europe, that Henry VIII even contemplated being a candidate for Holy Roman Emperor. The extension of its power to Ireland and Scotland were contributions to its goal of defence against, and influence over, continental Europe.

The standing of the United Kingdom in the EU on 22 June 2016, the day before the Referendum, could be described as a perfect expression of that traditional English approach.

Analysis

Mr. Bruton's statements come on the heels of the British general election, which has resulted in a confused and conflicted mandate just days before negotiations are due to begin with the EU regarding Brexit. 

During his talk, PM Bruton said that “it would be naive to think that the divorce between the UK, and the other EU countries, including Ireland, will not leave scars”. He continued, “I hope that is all they will be, scars that will gradually become less visible”.

He also discussed the challenges faced by Ireland and Europe as Britain prepares to leave the EU. Regarding Energy issues, he noted that currently Ireland is "completely dependent" on UK for the access to the international electricity grid. He predicted that Ireland will seek assurances in the Brexit Agreement to ensure that the region would be disrupted in that regards. He also said that the country would expect the support of the 26 other EU member nations. 

Why Ireland sees the EU differently

Ireland’s position is very different from that of the UK. Ireland is determined to remain in a strengthened European Union. The country does not have the military or economic strength to exercise the sort of freedom of action that a bigger power, like the UK, France or Germany, could exercise. While bigger powers might find rules set by the EU restrictive, a smaller country finds these common rules a source of protection, security, and freedom.

Bruton’s talk covered a range of topics, from Ireland’s role in the negotiations with the UK, to the need for an agreement on the fisheries policy. He also spoke about the status of Northern Ireland, an area that has attracted considerable interest in recent days following the Democratic Unionist Party’s (DUP) decision to enter a confidence and supply agreement with the Conservative Party in the UK.

The EU allows the making of common rules, it also allows them to be amended, interpreted and enforced, in a consistent and efficient way. The example of EU cooperation against terrorism illustrates the fact that EU has provided the UK, and its fellow EU member states, with a common system for making, amending, enforcing and interpreting. Common rules have been set on issues as diverse as food safety, aviation, intellectual property protection and consumer protection in the purchase of financial products.

Assessment

Public opinion needs to be taken into account while working out the priorities of the role played by EU without UK however the matter is complicated by the fact that public opinion on what ought to be the main priorities of the EU varies member nations. There is also an urgent need for the citizens of the UK to be part of public debates that will through light on what Brexit means for various sectors in the region; something that failed to happen during the campaign leading to the general election.