Post-Brexit operations clarifying – Matheson
Ten years after Brexit, the Ireland-Britain relationship has entered a more stable phase, a Matheson discussion hosted by the British Ambassador to Ireland Kara Owen has heard.
Hosted at her official residence in Dublin (25 June) the ambassador heard contributions from former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney, and the Financial Times’ Gideon Rachman, alongside Matheson managing partner Darren Maher.
Shift
Coveney reflected on how the tone and substance of engagement had shifted and underlined how the focus now needed to move to areas of mutual interest.
Rachman, drawing on his reporting across Europe and beyond, set out how these relationships were now viewed internationally.
There was a clear sense of momentum in the Ireland-Britain relationship, with the outcomes of the recent bilateral Cork summit seen as an important step in resetting engagement.
EU-Britain relations, by contrast, remain under active negotiation.
The expected autumn summit is likely to be a significant moment, particularly in advancing cooperation on energy and a potential sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, an area of particular relevance for food and agri-food businesses operating across the island of Ireland, the discussion heard.
There was also a consistent view that closer alignment would be required on security and defence.
For businesses, the direction of travel is becoming more defined, even if complexity remains.
Regulatory divergence
Questions about regulatory divergence, market access, and cross-border investment continued to shape decision-making for companies operating across Ireland, Britain and the EU, the conference was told.
While uncertainty had not fully receded, the operating environment was clearer than it had been in recent years, the event heard.
Matheson managing partner Darren Maher said that a clearer sense of how relationships were evolving would have practical implications for businesses making decisions on investment, structure and market access.