Brexit bigger than election according to local businessman

A major Athlone businessman has claimed that a potential exit by the UK from the EU is far more important than Friday’s General Election.

CEO of Athlone Extrusions, Jimmy McGee, claimed that “uncertainty” exists for his company and many others focused on exports as to what exactly will happen if the UK departs the European Union.

“For us what happens in Britain is extremely important because in excess of 40% of our business in the UK. We export 46% to the UK and we export 96% overall. The UK are our biggest customers,” he commented on the possible Brexit, saying he is surprised how little the issue has been talked about during the election campaign given the implications it has for this country.

While initially optimistic when Prime Minister David Cameron struck a deal with the EU in terms of the country’s position that the status quo would be preserved, Mr McGee is now “no more than 50/50” with the high profile Boris Johnson and Arlene Foster in Northern Ireland now campaigning against the proposal.

“I’m not sure what happens if they do (leave) will borders be back, tariffs, will Ireland get exemptions? I don’t know and noone can answer that,” added the CEO, who employs 178 people in Athlone making a variety of thermoplastic products.

While he remains hopeful that a Brexit will not to pass, Mr McGee is nonetheless planning for the possibility and “looking at spreading to other markets” to limit the fall-out should it happen.

“It certainly would have an effect on business, but we are taking steps to increase markets elsewhere,” added the businessman, who claimed that should the UK depart the EU, it leaves questions for Ireland in terms of its future in Europe.

“If the UK was to come out, would Ireland be able to stay in? That largely depends on derugations etc. I’d much prefer to see us in the EU because I think we have gained a lot, but if Britain leaves there is no certainty,” he concluded.