The Irish Road Haulage Association has called on industry bodies and political commentators to exercise high levels of sensitivity in their public comments on Brexit in the coming weeks.

IRHA President Verona Murphy says that any alarmist or incendiary remarks will be seized by those that are driving for a hard Brexit in the UK and played back against Ireland and our preparations.

“There has been a substantial amount of work carried out to prepare for a range of eventualities on Brexit, including a No Deal Brexit. The IRHA, along with national retailers, exporters and agencies have been involved in a range of discussions with Government Departments andagencies to ensure that all possible contingency measures are in place to deal with Brexit, Ms Murphy said.

“It is vitally important that we concentrate on the finalisation of our preparations in a focused, clear and determined manner. It is also important that commentators, whether from the political or business sectors do not give succour to those within the British Government who are intent on trying to create havoc and disruption through their determination to crash out of the EU without a deal. We can be demanding and exacting of the Government agencies to ensure that they are adequately prepared for Brexit without feeding the chaos lust of the hard Brexiteers in Westminster.”

Ms Murphy said the IRHA, as an organisation set up to represent Irish hauliers will play a constructive part in helping to support Brexit preparations through engaging in constructive and tough dialogue with Government.

She also called for responsible commentary from other business organisations, especially Irish affiliates of UK organisations.

“This is a time for national unity and clear focus. Government needs to deliver to support businesses and consumers on Brexit preparation. But it needs to do so in an environment without alarmist predictions and scaremongering,” she concluded.

Irish Road Haulage Association

About the Author: John Loughran