As attention turned to cross-border trade at an economic conference yesterday, TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith, said "there is no political threat" to trade. He made the comments at the Cross-Border Trade and Economic Conference yesterday and despite the DUP's deal with the British Government to repeal "all statutory duties relating to the all-island economy".
Meanwhile, the Junior Enterprise Minister, Neale Richmond, says cross border trade needs to be prioritised when rebuilding the all-island economy. He urged state agencies to act quickly for lost investments in the region now the Northern Ireland Government has returned to Stormont.
Brendan Smith insists there are no concerns for trade: "There are no threats from political institutions up and running, and there will be excellent co-operation," Deputy Smith said, "You've seen our government announce investment in infrastructure in Northern Ireland and in cross-border projects that benefit both communities on both sides of the border."