These two articles give dramatic indication of how messed up the whole Brexit issue is

Posted by Jim on December 14, 2018

These two articles give dramatic indication of how messed up the whole Brexit issue is when it appears that Jeremy Corbyn, Leader of the British Labor Party, is rejecting the “Backstop” (the means for stopping a hard Border). Not only that, but Mr. Corbyn —a famed United Irelander—appears to be embracing the DUP, which has always expressed contempt for Corbyn! God save poor Ireland.”
—Fr. Sean McManus
A Corbyn-DUP alliance is unlikely but in this uncertain political era anything is possible

John Manley. Irish News. Belfast. Friday, December 14, 2018
IN recent years old certainties have evaporated. In the United Sates, in the Republic, in Britain, and across much of the developed world, traditional class and ideological allegiances no longer apply and have been replaced by a mismatch, à la carte approach to politics.

In keeping with this trend, the EU referendum provided some common ground on which left and right could unite; strange bedfellows advocating a Leave vote but for entirely different reasons.

In 2016, Jeremy Corbyn campaigned to remain in the EU, despite a history of strong euro-scepticism. Unlike his counterparts in the Tory ranks, the Labour leader’s aversion to Brussels had been based largely on its free market philosophy. Historically, Sinn Féin held a similar view, only quietly converting to supporting the EU over the past decade.

Mr Corbyn has enjoyed a long and close relationship with Irish republicans, one that has been cemented further since he became Labour leader.

But in recent weeks, the relationship has been strained, as Mr Corbyn appeared to woo the DUP and criticize the Backstop element of the Withdrawal Agreement, a guarantee for a frictionless Border that has unanimous support among Irish nationalists north and south.

The Labour leadership has faced criticism from within its own ranks for its rejection of the backstop and what south Armagh-born MP Conor McGinn called Mr Corbyn’s “invocation of The Union”.

Sinn Féin has been restrained in its criticism of its long-held Labour ally, who many believe is prioritizing political opportunism over securing an open Border.

Responding to reports of the Labor leader’s overtures to the DUP, Mary Lou McDonald said Mr. Corbyn was doing what British politicians do by “pursuing what they understand and believe to be British national interest”. That’s what Westminster does.

That’s what British politicians do.

“I have said to Jeremy before – we disagree and we differ dramatically on the issue of Brexit,” she said.

An alliance between the DUP and Jeremy Corbyn would be uncomfortable for both and in all likelihood short-lived. Watching the current arms length courtship, creates a sense that it’s more about putting pressure on Theresa May than forging a long-term partnership. But in an era where old certainties have evaporated, anything is possible.
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Fianna Fáil tells Sinn Féin to convince Corbyn on merits of May border deal
Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn has rejected the backstop

John Manley. Irish News. Belfast. Friday, December 14, 2018

Micheál Martin has urged Sinn Féin to use its “special relationship” with Jeremy Corbyn to convince the Labor leader about the merits of the Backstop.

The Fianna Fáil leader was commenting amid growing nationalist concern over Mr Corbyn’s rejection of the EU’s guarantee to maintain a soft Border.

The Labor leader has said the Backstop would not feature in any withdrawal deal negotiated by a Labor government.

Mr. Corbyn has also faced criticism from south Armagh-born Labour MP Conor McGinn for his “invocation of the union” when opposing the withdrawal agreement.

Strains in relations between the DUP and Theresa May over the Backstop have led to speculation that Labor may align itself with Arlene Foster’s party in an effort to oust the Tories.

But DUP MP Sammy Wilson said yesterday that the party was not in talks with Labor over a potential no-confidence vote.

“We don’t need to be in talks with Labor,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“We have made it quite clear that if the prime minister continues to pursue the policy and gets the ability to implement that policy, then we will vote against the government in a vote of no confidence. However she has got to get over the first hurdle, and that is to get this agreement accepted by parliament – I don’t believe she is ever going to get over that hurdle.”

Mr Corbyn’s rejection of the Backstop and his recent overtures to the DUP have dismayed many nationalists.

Mr McGinn, the MP for St. Helens North, told The Irish News earlier this week that the Labor leader risked alienating nationalists and was jeopardizing his party’s reputation as “protectors of the Good Friday Agreement”.

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said he was “bewildered” by Mr Corbyn’s remarks on the backstop, while the Labour Party Irish Society has written to the party’s 257 MPs voicing concern about its leadership’s stance.

Last night— following a request from The Irish News for Sinn Féin’s response to the Labour leader’s remarks— a party spokesman echoed sentiments aired by Mary Lou McDonald earlier this week.

“Regardless of who leads the British government, they will always prioritize British interests first,” the spokesman said.

“The catastrophe facing Ireland is a result of a Brexit which originated in Westminster.”

The spokesman said Sinn Féin was focused on working with the Dublin government and the EU27.

“We cannot allow Ireland or Irish interests to become collateral damage of infighting in a British parliament that cares nothing for our economy or our citizens,” the spokesman said.

“We must protect the Good Friday Agreement and protect the Backstop as our only insurance policy against a hard Border in Ireland and the economic catastrophe that would bring.”

But the Fianna Fáil leader called on Sinn Féin to use its influence with Mr Corbyn to change his mind.

“One disappointing aspect of the Brexit debate in Britain has been the failure of the main opposition party to recognize the role and value of the Backstop, particularly in regard to the protection and potential it offers to Northern Ireland,” Mr. Martin told The Irish News.

“Sinn Féin has made much of its special relationship with Mr. Corbyn since he was elected – I think it’s fair to ask why they are not using that influence in defense of the backstop and the effort to protect the north from a hard Brexit.”