Dairy farmer who appeared in DUP election broadcast now regrets voting to leave EU

By Q Radio News and PA

A prominent dairy farmer who once took part in a DUP election broadcast has now turned his back on the party's Brexit strategy.

Charliie Weir from Waringstown says he's now convinced promises of more money for the NHS, agriculture and education sectors will come to nothing.

He told Q Radio he would now vote to remain and even believes the backstop would be good for Northern Ireland:

Our reporter @BJPMarshall spoke to Charlie Weir this evening. He took part in the 2017 party election broadcast for @duponline representing farming and as a leave voter. He now says he regrets voting for #Brexit - here more on that story tomorrow on @qnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/M3I0zyGyN4

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 18, 2019

Meanwhile,

Ireland's Foreign Affairs Minister has warned that a no-deal Brexit will lead to significant disruption in farming, agri-food, tourism and fishing sectors.

Speaking at the National Ploughing Championship, Ireland's largest agricultural show, Simon Coveney said he wanted to reassure farmers that the government is doing "everything we can" to get a Brexit deal.

"(I want) to reassure them that if a no-deal is triggered by the British Prime Minister and a British Parliament well then we are putting a budget together in the next three weeks that can set aside significant financial resources to support vulnerable sectors during what will be a very disruptive period," he added.

"I think we need to be honest about that, no matter how well you prepare for a no-deal there will be significant disruption particularly for sensitive sectors, like farming, agri-food, tourism, fishing and we will need to work out with those sectors, how best we can support them through that.

"The concerns and frustrations of farmers are very much foremost in my mind when it comes to Brexit discussions."

Mr Coveney also said that the Irish Government will have to protect the Northern Ireland peace process and protect the all island economy at the same time if the UK crashes out of the EU.

"We have to ensure that Ireland doesn't get dragged out of the EU Single Market because we can no longer stand over its integrity here in Ireland," he added.

"Irish consumers wouldn't thank us, Irish businesses couldn't live with that situation."

If the UK crashes out of the EU without a deal, produce coming from Northern Ireland to the Republic may be subject to tariffs and some form of checking system.

Mr Coveney said, however, that no details have been agreed on how it will work or where it will take place.

He continued: "The reason why it is so complicated is that we are also trying to protect relationships north and south and recognising the politics of border infrastructure, which is something that people won't accept given the history on this island.