Direct payments and soft border with Ireland must continue, DUP says

DUP MLA William Irwin (Photo: BASC NI)
DUP MLA William Irwin (Photo: BASC NI)

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has confirmed that they will secure the best Brexit deal possible for Northern Ireland's farmers.

DUP MLA William Irwin visited Armagh Show to broadcast the positive message for the nation's farmers, who fear a hard border with the Republic of Ireland.

He said: “Two of our priorities will be to ensure the continuation of direct payments for farmers and the maintenance of a seamless border on the island of Ireland, from a trading point of view. This will entail trade in both directions.”

Mr Irwin continued: “As a party, we are committed to securing the future growth of farming and food in Northern Ireland.”

The pro-Union and pro-Brexit party, based in Northern Ireland and led by Arlene Foster, is the fifth largest party in Westminster with 10 seats.

They will act in a ‘confidence and supply’ arrangement with the Conservative Party which will be finalised at Westminster over the coming days.

The Conservative Party failed to win a majority of seats in the House of Commons, which left a hung parliament.

The DUP manifesto says the party wants a "comprehensive free trade and customs agreement with the European Union."

The DUP say they are a 'friend of the farmer and of natural heritage'.