Brexit.

[Therealdonald]

Back to Brexit, said it last week, May is finished.

[Rossfan]

Did she ever get started?

[Avondhu star]

Back to Brexit, said it last week, May is finished.

She's not the same since she changed the hairstyle

[Dubh driocht]

This has been a great week for Ireland and, indeed, the EU.
Many thanks to most of the posters on here for their informed comments.
The other bright point in my week has been the arrival of a family member's new passport.
For those who haven't got one yet ( they have been in circulation since late 2013), page 5- opposite the photograph page and therefore the one you'll be opening when you pass through airports- is particularly good. There's a great map of the island with our wonderful rivers, mountains and loughs featured. Not an artificially created line in sight.
A quote on this page , and repeated on subsequent pages;
"It is the entitlement and birthright of every person born in the island of Ireland ,which includes the islands and seas, to be part of the Irish Nation"
Page 15 is dedicated to Gaelic Games- and as far as I'm concerned that's a picture of Ross Carr on the ball- and page 28 has a verse from the Ulster weaver Poet, James Orr. On the next page - "Furthermore the Irish nation cherishes its special affinity which people of Irish ancestry living abroad who share it's cultural identity and heritage". Seamus Heaney would approve.

The best part is on the inside page.

Iarann aire gnóthaí eachtreacha agus trádála na hÉireann ar gach lena mbaineann Ligean dá shealbhóir seo,  saoránach
d'Éirinn, gabhail ar aghaidh gan bhac gan chosc agus gach cúnamh agus caomhnú is gá a thabhairt  don shealbhóir.

That is the opposite of NI

In response to these quotes T Fearon said  "Full of mantras unsupported by action."

Read this T :  https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/dec/17/brexit-deal-gives-more-rights-to-irish-passport-holders-experts-say

[Declan]

Wasn't sure where to post this but never gets old really

[seafoid]

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/dec/18/demob-happy-maybot-goes-through-the-smooth-and-orderly-motions

[Hereiam]

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/dec/18/uk-cannot-have-a-special-deal-for-the-city-says-eu-brexit-negotiator-barnier

Most new outlets are running this wee story except the good old BBC. This people is what brexit will come down to.

[Syferus]

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/dec/18/uk-cannot-have-a-special-deal-for-the-city-says-eu-brexit-negotiator-barnier

Most new outlets are running this wee story except the good old BBC. This people is what brexit will come down to.

http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-the-papers-42406122

The interview was specifically with the Gaurdian, which might help explain to you why they had the story.

Sometimes people in this thread don't exactly help themselves.

[Hereiam]

Financial Times had it as well as others and they had it on the their front pages.
You done well Syerus to find it. Well done you.

[AQMP]

Bad Cop Barnier in front of the cameras again.  UK will basically have to comply with all EU rules during the transition period but will have no representation or influence.  The transition period will end on 31/12/2020.

[seafoid]

The EU and the UK will be in competition during a period of stagnation. Brexit will essentially involve a no compete clause. The Brexit heads never thought stuff like this through.

[seafoid]

Banjaxed

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2017/dec/20/retail-christmas-retailers-financial-distress-snow-consumer-spending-squeeze

[Ronnie]

I see Brokenshire has been relieved of his responsibilities. What's Karen Brady's position on regulatory alignment and standards?

[AQMP]

I see Brokenshire has been relieved of his responsibilities. What's Karen Brady's position on regulatory alignment and standards?

The same as Lord Sugar's.

[Denn Forever]

I see Brokenshire has been relieved of his responsibilities. What's Karen Brady's position on regulatory alignment and standards?

West Ham Karen Brady?