Foster accuses Dublin government of quietly talking down NI abroad.

In a tough message to Enda Kenny, the First Minister has accused his government of sending diplomats around the world to “talk down” the Northern Ireland economy because of Brexit.

Arlene Foster claimed that political instability rather than concern for Northern Ireland is driving the Dublin government’s stance over Brexit.

However, addressing the DUP party conference in the La Mon Hotel in the Castlereagh Hills above Belfast, Mrs Foster stressed that relations with the Irish administration were as good as they ever had been and she would continue to work with Northern Ireland’s southern neighbours.

But she told delegates that relations with the EU were much less important than the benefits derived from being within the UK.

“The reality is that political instability in Dublin, and fears for their own future, are driving their decision-making at present as much as any concern about Northern Ireland,” Mrs Foster, who received a rapturous reception from DUP members, said.

“And while they seek to take the views of people of Northern Ireland on the issue of Brexit at home, their representatives are sent out around the world to talk down our economy and to attempt to poach our investors.

“It is clear, conference, that the one place that a hard border does exist is in the mind of the Irish Government.



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