WITH the confirmation on Tuesday Boris Johnson will be the next prime minister of the UK, the fear of a potentially catastrophic no-deal Brexit is now palpable across Fermanagh.
While DUP leader Arlene Foster tweeted excitedly from her Enniskillen office on Tuesday lunchtime, adding the hashtag “historic days” as she was “awaiting the announcement from London”, most in the county were concerned about the consequences that announcement could have for Brexit.
After all, as potential PM Mr Johnson had repeatedly vowed to take the UK out of EU without a deal on October 31st if necessary, stating he would even override parliament to do so.
As reported in the Herald last week, economists estimate around 2,000 jobs would be at risk in Fermanagh in the event of a now-likely no deal Brexit. With many local businesses and farms fearing for their future if there is no deal, the economic knock-on effect locally would be disastrous.
There is also the issue of community relations and the endangerment of the peace process.
A no deal Brexit would inevitably result in a hardening of the border, an emotive and tense subject across Ireland but particularly here in Fermanagh.
Daily complications
• Roaming charges will be back on the cards. While some operators have promised customers they will not reintroduce the surcharges they will not be legally obliged to do so.
• Pets will need to be vaccinated and microchipped at least four months before travelling from the UK to the EU. Or, in local terms, from Fermanagh to a Donegal beach. Your pet will also need a health certificate and a rabies test before travelling South.
• You may be charged more for using a UK credit or debit card in the EU, including across the border, and payments may take longer.
• Northern drivers will need a ‘green card’ to prove they are insured when in the South, and if they are in a collision with an uninsured driver they may not be entitled to statutory compensation. Those living in the South but using a UK licence will have to switch it over as soon as possible.
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