Only Reason for Extension of Brexit is If Problems Are Solved Instead of Prolonging Uncertainty - Irish Minister

RIGA, March 7 (LETA) There is a reason for extension of Brexit only if there is a possibility that problems will be solved instead of just prolonging time and uncertainty, Minister of State for European Affairs of Ireland, Helen McEntee, in an interview with LETA.

Even though so far there has been a no-named source from the EU who allowed such a possibility for extension until 2021, the minister believes that we will see a shorter extension. If a shorter extension means an agreement and benefit, preventing a no-deal scenario, Ireland would support it, said the Irish minister.

"I know all the other EU member states would like to know where all of this is going, and that it is not going to just prolong the uncertainty. The longer this goes on, the more uncertainty for people, for business, for sectors and for industries. You also have the added complexities of the European Parliament elections, and if Brexit is extended the UK would realistically have to contest these elections, and this would lead to a whole new set of complexities in relation to the EU budget and other member states, and this is something which we would like to avoid," she said.

Compromises have been made on both sides, so if we were to ratify the agreement, we would finally be able to begin talks on the future relationship how to maintain the closest possible ties with the UK, how to address the Irish border issue, and most importantly how to provide certainty for business. An agreement would also lead to a transition period, giving people time to adjust and to understand what it is...