Clinton criticises Trump over Brexit comments
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton addresses the US Conference of Mayors June 26, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Clinton discussed her vision for American cities. Clinton on Sunday took a swipe at Republican rival Donald Trump’s stance on Brexit. PHOTO | AFP
What you need to know:
- Mr Trump has hailed Britain’s vote to leave the European Union as “fantastic,” telling reporters on Friday that he thinks the Brexit is “a great thing.”
- Mr Trump, who has relied on populist fervour and anti-immigrant rhetoric in his presidential bid, has said Britain’s anti-EU movement had parallels with his own quest to become the US president.
- Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny told a special meeting of parliament on Monday that the national interest would be his main concern in any negotiations concerning the UK’s exit from the EU,
WASHINGTON
Democrat Hillary Clinton on Sunday took a swipe at Republican rival Donald Trump’s stance on Brexit, saying that “bombastic comments” do more harm than good during such times.
Mr Trump has hailed Britain’s vote to leave the European Union as “fantastic,” telling reporters during a visit to Scotland on Friday that he thinks the Brexit is “a great thing.”
Mrs Clinton, who was speaking to the US Conference of Mayors, did not mention Trump by name, but told city leaders that the United States should be governed by those “who put the interest of the American people ahead of their personal business interests.”
Mr Trump was in Scotland for the ceremonial re-opening of his refurbished Trump Turnberry golf course.
America needs leaders “who understand that bombastic comments in turbulent times can actually cause more turbulence,” Mrs Clinton said.
“And that’s why steady, experienced leadership is so important at times like these.”
Mr Trump, who has relied on populist fervour and anti-immigrant rhetoric in his presidential bid, has said Britain’s anti-EU movement had parallels with his own quest to become the US president.
MANY FRUSTRATED PEOPLE
Mrs Clinton acknowledged Sunday that “just as we have seen there are many frustrated people in Britain, we know there are frustrated people here at home too.”
Meanwhile, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny told a special meeting of parliament on Monday that the national interest would be his main concern in any negotiations concerning the UK’s exit from the EU, and that he did not expect an imminent formal withdrawal.
“I think that in other governments there is a full understanding that there has been a political earthquake in the UK, the consequences of which will take some time to work out.
“I expect that there will be broad consensus that we will need to await the entry into office of a new British prime minister before a formal exit notification can be made.”
Mr Kenny announced the parliamentary recall after an emergency cabinet meeting on Friday following the result of the Brexit poll. He noted Ireland has more to lose than other EU members from a Brexit but said the government had drawn up contingency plans. “The stakes have always been higher on this issue for Ireland than for any other EU member state,” he said.
“Our contingency management arrangements will prioritise the key political and strategic issues arising from the implications for Northern Ireland, the common travel area and the border.”
However, he also pointed out that detailed contingency planning would be “particularly challenging” because there is no clarity as yet on the precise arrangements nor the timescale of the UK’s withdrawal.
Ireland is particularly worried about the prospect of tariffs on the import and export of goods to Britain after it formally leaves the EU as expected.
