Brexit: in or out for Northern Ireland?

Brexit Northern Ireland : should we stay or leave?

On the 23 June 2016, there will be a referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union.

A referendum will ask you to vote on a question: Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?

The debate has focused on many aspects - economic, political, cultural and identity.

The argument for remaining in the European Union is that it is better for our economy, security and stability. It is better to be part of an economic union that is a force to be reckoned with when dealing with America and China on issues of human rights, the environment, and the economy.

Freedom of trade and movement being the cornerstone of the European Union.

The argument for staying recognises that the European Union costs us a significant amount of money, is inefficient and needs reform but that the benefits outweigh the negatives. It is easier to reform from within than be a spectator looking in from the outside with no influence on how we co-exist with our European neighbours.

The argument for leaving the European Union is that control over the economy, migration and social issues should be solely in the hands of a UK government. Britain will then be in a stronger position to negotiate trade arrangements with other European countries and the rest of the world on it's own terms.

The EU allows for freedom of movement across the European Union. The migration of workers from other member states to the UK has been the subject of much debate in the Brexit campaigns.

Supporters of an exit from the European Union argue that we would be free from onerous regulation and not be required to contribute money to the European Union. This money could then be spent directly on the economy.

It has been predicted that an exit out of Europe will lead to a further weakening of the pound.

This issue is all the more pertinent for us, locally and nationally, due to the fact we have such a unique relationship economically, socially and geographically with the Republic of Ireland.

It is not certain what effect a "leave" result would have on relationships across the border on many levels. We can currently sell our products and services across the border without tariffs or restrictions within the European Union.

Many of here have been concerned about what that will mean for the border.

It has been argued that due to the level of business conducted between North and South, our economic future is less certain and even more vulnerable to a decision to leave the European Union.

Peter Conway, Chief Executive of the Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, has suggested that up to half of the jobs in Warrenpoint Harbour could be lost. The concern is that European exporters would simply ship to a port in the Republic to avoid tariffs and customs administration.

Many economists have argued that major businesses would be less likely to invest here because we are not members of the EU in the event of a leave vote. The effect that will have, when just across the border, the Republic will remain as a member of the European Union is uncertain.

Others have questioned the benefit of the EU to farmers and fishermen here and that our small representation means that we, in the North, have very little say in the European Parliament. (Article by Kate Hoey: Brexit won't hurt Northern Ireland at all – instead, it will brighten it's future HERE)

David McWilliams, the Irish economist who predicted the economic crash in Ireland of 2008, has argued that Brexit could be the catalyst that leads to a United Ireland. (You can check out his article: A nation once again? Don't write it off HERE)

Check out the video by Michael Dougan, a leading EU law experts analysing some of the arguments.

The political parties position is as follows:

DUP - Leave

Sinn Fein - Stay

SDLP - Stay

UUP - Stay

Alliance - Stay

TUV - Leave

This will be the ballot paper that you will be presented with on 23 June 2016.

You will receive a poll card telling you where your polling station. As usual polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm and you must bring along your photographic id similar to election voting.

We would love to hear your view: leave a comment on our Facebook post HERE