Irish border poses a vexing Brexit problem

World
Europe

The Irish border issue has become one of the most difficult issues of the Brexit negotiations. It not only touches on the UK's relationship with the EU, but is also a sensitive political issue for the local area.

Derry or Londonderry? Be careful what this Irish border city is called. The sectarian tension eased thanks to the Good Friday agreement signed 20 years ago.

Free Derry Corner in the Bogside neighborhood of Derry, Northern Ireland. /CGTN Photo

However, Brexit brings another big challenge to the city – what will the border look like after the UK leaves the European Union next year? So far, the solutions offered have failed to convince people.

"The red lines that have been set down at the very beginning of this negotiation, you can't say on one hand that you are leaving the custom union and the single market, and have on the other hand no border within the island of Ireland. So they are completely incompatible," said Sinead McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.

The Londonderry-Donegal crossing point at the village of Muff. /CGTN Photo

During the Troubles that ended 20 years ago, the 300-mile Irish border was the focal point of armed insurgency. But now the travel between the north and south is seamless and invisible.

Brian Bradley lives in a house next to the Irish border. His family has been here for more that 60 years. Recalling the old days when customs were in place at the border, he said re-introducing a hard border would be like re-opening a "gaping wound".

“No one wants a hard border. Definitely not. It would be very difficult to go back to hard border now. People are so used to not having a border,” said Mr. Bradley.

A photo of Muff customs taken by Brian Bradley who lives near the border. /CGTN Photo

The established peace could be challenged by changes unleashed by Brexit. Relationships has been put to the test not only between Dublin and Belfast, but also between Belfast and London.

“The Good Friday Agreement is 20 years old next month and it is a very bittersweet anniversary. It is embarrassing at this stage that we do not have any political representation on this massive issue,” said McLaughlin.

When it comes to the Irish border, it is full of fudge and compromise. But as the UK moves closer to the Brexit day, the border issue seems to remain a difficult one to tackle.