Brexit: Hayes suggests North could become ‘associate member’ of EU

A senior Irish MEP has suggested Northern Ireland should be given “associate membership” of the European Union after Brexit, with the Irish State paying its annual funding contribution. Fine Gael’s Brian Hayes last night said such an arrangement would allow Northern Ireland the right to trade on full or limited terms into the EU, and not be subject to the tariffs. He said while the Constitutional position of the North was settled and it would remain part of the United Kingdom, he said its trading relationship with the EU and with Ireland could be different.

http://www.irishtimes.com