LISTEN: Edwin Poots says relations between NI and the Republic 'have never been worse'

By Brett Campbell

The DUP’s leader in waiting has told MLAs that he remains committed to carrying out all his ministerial duties after being asked if he’ll continue to obstruct north-south meetings. 

Edwin Poots insists he understands cross-border relationships are crucial to maximising the benefits to people on both sides of the border. 

However, he says efforts will be needed to rebuild bridges that have crumbled because of Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol. 

''Relations between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have never been worse because the Republic of Ireland led by Mr Varadkar and Mr Coveney, in particular, sought to create barriers between Northern Ireland and Great Britain - our main trading partner,'' Mr Poots said.

''As a consequence of that, every home is being damaged.''

He continued: ''Northern Ireland - Republic of Ireland relations are very bad and they need to be fixed. 

''But we need to get some reassurances that we're going to get somewhere considerably better than where we currently are in terms of Protocol to fix those relations.''

It comes after Infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon revealed she has sought legal advice on the DUP boycott of some NSMC meetings. 

Mr Poots also revealed the cost of providing protocol checks on goods at Northern Ireland ports has already exceeded £24 million.

“Over the course of the last year, since June 2020, we have developed the costs. The costs for vets, including managers, is £5,271,696. The other ancillary staff provided by DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) is £6,324,902, and environmental health officers and ancillary staff provided by district councils is some £12,848,034. A total of £24,440,632.”

DUP MLA Keith Buchanan said: “It is an example of the unacceptable nature of the protocol and the need for it to be replaced and challenged. These figures are staggering.”

Mr Poots responded: “One of the wrongs that has been demanded of us by the European Union is that these costs are passed to business, and when the grace period ends these costs will spiral considerably because we will be moving to what the department is suggesting will be some 15,000 checks a week, that is considerably greater than what we are doing now.

“Meanwhile, the EU is saying we need to pass these costs onto business. And you know who actually pays when we can’t pass the costs onto business? The consumers. And that is why I have repeatedly said that this protocol will hurt every single individual in Northern Ireland.

“I will continue to press hard with the UK Government on the issues which are at stake here, and the benefits I have is that the case is inarguable that this protocol is bad for Northern Ireland.”