Brexit is throwing up various conundrums which previously had no need to be considered by Irish citizens. As we try to second guess what lies ahead in the next few months, the Uncertainity Principle as expressed by Donald Rumsfeld, former US Secretary of Defence, comes to mind. In hindsight, had the British Government advised the voters on the known unknowns and the unknown unknowns, these issues may not have arisen. From insurance to citizen’s rights, family matters to criminal law, the list is endless and means that those dealing with cross-border issues must consider how it will impact them.
In an attempt to prepare for these unchartered legal waters, there is a belief that the government will need to enact up to five omnibus bills to deal with the impact of the UK withdrawal. We hope that such precautionary steps will protect our citizens’ rights in the event of the worst case scenario. With rapidly moving events and increasing uncertainties, the Irish Government is continuing to hope that these bills will never be required. However as the days pass and deadlines become redundant, we are even more unsure of what lies ahead.
Indeed, the ramifications of this bewildering situation can be felt, not only in Ireland, but across Europe where all 27 leaders are frantically trying to find a workable solution to this mess which is not of their making.