All of the key EU decision-makers are very aware of Ireland’s unique exposure to Brexit, according to MEP Mairead McGuinness.

“They will act to ensure that the interests of this country are fully protected in the context of whatever final settlement is reached,” she said.

McGuinness was speaking at yesterday’s IFA Brexit conference. She inferred that Ireland is not a voice crying in the wilderness, when it comes to sorting out a final deal between the EU and the United Kingdom.

“The European Parliament has the final say when it comes to the EU-27 signing off on a Brexit arrangement. But the EU-27 must come out of the forthcoming Brexit negotiations a much stronger and united entity.

“The time for sniping is over. There are aspects of the EU’s way of doing things that I am unhappy with. But it’s a case of reforming from within.

Ireland must be positive in the way it views life within the EU after Brexit. And MEPs must be equally positive when they vote on the future of Europe.

McGuinness welcomed the outcome of last weekend’s initial presidential election in France. She said: “It is a vote for a strong EU. And this is extremely positive.

“MEPs must reflect the views of their voting public when it comes to them arriving at a final decision on this critically-important matter.”

The Fine Gael MEP said the EU is not out to victimise the United Kingdom in the upcoming negotiations.

“London must look after itself in that regard. But the matter of the ‘divorce payment‘ has no direct bearing on Ireland. What is of direct interest to Irish farmers is the trade deal that accompanies the Brexit settlement.”

Responding to specific Brexit concerns raised by attending farmers from Donegal, McGuiness said that she would never vote for the introduction of a ‘hard’ border on the island of Ireland.