Statement by TUV South Antrim Assembly candidate Richard Cairns:
“Today our national Parliament is debating the UK’s exit from the EU. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein have chosen to launch a plan calling for “special status” for Northern Ireland within the EU.
“It is becoming clear that thwarting Brexit for our Province is a key Republican demand.
“The question put to the electorate last year was clear. It was not, “Should Northern Ireland remain a member of the EU or leave the EU?” but, “Does the United Kingdom want to remain a member of the EU or leave the EU?”
“The result was equally clear. It was that the UK should leave the EU. Those who refuse to accept the outcome of the referendum are rejecting the sovereignty of the United Kingdom.
“The idea that Sinn Fein believe we should have some sort of “special status” in the EU because of the regional result in the referendum is nonsense. When have they ever recognised the entity of Northern Ireland, never mind been respectful of the views of the people of Northern Ireland?
“The UK joined the EU as one nation, and we must leave the EU as one nation.
“TUV is clear – the Brexit for Northern Ireland must be no less clear than that of any other part of the UK.”