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May 17 • 3 tweets • 1 min read
EU diplomats growing weary of constant threat from UK.
‘You’d think a minister who has foreign affairs in her brief would understand how bad this is right now.’
‘There’s a strong consensus that this is only about UK politics and if UK was serious they’d negotiate on the issues’
“No appetite to reopen the protocol, we’ll deal with issues that require resolution but won’t be bullied around. ‘What’s most striking so that we’re shoulder to shoulder supporting rules based international order in Ukraine and UK wants to rip it up - it’s baffling.”
“We have bigger fish to fry but won’t sit idly by - its very unfortunate we have to spend time ok this.
We don’t let it happen but there’s no decision on a response” #NorthernIrelandProtocol

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More from @ShonaMurray_

Shona Murray Profile picture
May 17
The EU's Election Observer mission in Lebanon is excoriating in its preliminary assessment of Sunday's poll. Widespread "vote-buying practices" affected voter choice and the level-playing field.
Polling staff were badly trained, candidate agents present leading to intimidation.
The presence of party staff displayed "intrusive behaviour", controlling voter attendance where the "secrecy of the ballot was not always guaranteed".
Authorities in Ministry of Interior displayed lack of transparency and provided little information about election preparation.
Vote-buying for cash, and clientelist practices - buying fuel, generators and food for vulnerable citizens was also wide-spread.
'Instances of intimidation, including female candidates, destruction of election materials, obstruction of campaign activities were localised'.
Read 6 tweets
Shona Murray Profile picture
Feb 3
Break: Irish FM @simoncoveney
'The obligation to fulfill commitments of NIP is with the UK gov - the TCA is contingent on the NIP working' he warns.
'We're trying to work with flexibility and pragmatism'
Says checks are still taking place, but Poots move is a breach of international law.
'Unhelpful that the DUP is acting outside the deadline we've been working towards - a Joint Committee meeting where NIP issues are resolved.
'The talks will continue - even if we end up with a caretaker arrangement in the NI Executive. The EU will still work with the UK to resolve the issues around customs checks to make the NIP more acceptable.
Other parties were more than willing to give this more time.'
Read 4 tweets
Shona Murray Profile picture
Feb 3
Huge resignation over the Poots' decision to end checks across Brussels and Dublin. But its seen as a "coordinated" action designed to boost an embattled DUP and Poots.
'All they have is this confrontation with Brussels and Dublin' said a source.
Brexit sources say there will be calls for Brussels to act with 'strength' and reiterate to the UK that the TCA could be suspended if the situation isn't resolved.
'The TCA and Withdrawal Agreement are intertwined', said a source. 'You can't have the house without the mortgage'
'This is a trap where the EU is being forced to impose checks on Irish goods going into the Single Market or a border on the island of Ireland.
'We can't have that discussion anymore.. its not going to be 'priced-in' that there are no checks' said the source.
Read 5 tweets
Shona Murray Profile picture
Feb 3
Response from EU re UK #NorthernIreland protocol

“The European Commission has been working tirelessly with the UK government to address practical challenges related to the implementation of the Protocol.
“The decision by the NI Min for Agriculture is therefore unhelpful. It creates further uncertainly and unpredictability for businesses and citizens in Northern Ireland. The European Commission will closely monitor developments in Northern Ireland pursuant to this announcement.”
It recalls the responsibility of the UK Government for the respect of the international obligations it has entered into.
· The Protocol is the one and only solution we have found with the UK to protect the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement.
·
Read 7 tweets
Shona Murray Profile picture
Feb 3
On #NIP @McGuinnessEU says “to put it mildly it’s extremely unhelpful”.. ‘on our side we’re working tireless to deal with specific problems. Business needs stability & certainty; this brings uncertainty and instability.
‘Not sure what the purpose of stopping the inspections is’
It’s absolutely a breach of international law, doesn’t help business, is a breach of @BelfastAgmt’ she says.
On #Russia: ‘our intelligence shows the opposite of what Russia says re military buildup. We’re working hard to ensure sovereignty of Ukraine is respected.’
‘We’re preparing for a place if this situation moves beyond diplomacy. The response will be “impactful”.’
Read 5 tweets
Shona Murray Profile picture
Dec 3, 2021
Interview w Belgian virologist @vanranstmarc who says he fears vaccine mandates play into the hands of the far-right & may lead to people not vaccinating babies.
He also says the situation in Ireland needs close attention given high vaccination, and that ventilation is paramount.
On vaccine mandate:
"It is a very tough question, and it depends on which country you live. If you live in a country where 65 percent of the population, only 65 percent is vaccinated. Mandatory vaccination might get you over the hump.
"If you have 98 pc of the elderly are vaccinated, then making vaccination mandatory might create an unwanted backlash that it's not going to gain you so much. What is very sure is that this would be the biggest gift to the anti-vaccination movement that you could ever give."
Read 11 tweets

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