An Post Chief says company could suffer from hard Brexit

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://www.rte.ie/news/2018/0510/96263 ... st-brexit/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

An Post could suffer from a hard Brexit because 60% of international parcels coming into Ireland come from the UK, according to the company's Chief Executive Officer.

Addressing the Communication Workers Union conference in Killarney, David McRedmond said the 30% growth of its parcels business from online commerce had offset the decline in traditional mail due to email, and had helped to convert last year's loss of €12m to an €8m profit.

However, he warned if the UK left the customs union, and customs checks were introduced, that would make things "extremely difficult and challenging".

He said that while it would be preferable for the current situation to remain unchanged, An Post would work to find solutions - including the possibility of basing warehouses of goods here in Ireland for distribution.

He noted that with 300,000 additional homes due to get broadband, it would mean increased parcel business due to more online purchases.

He also predicted potential growth in media mail - particularly after the General Data Protection Regulation is introduced.

Asked about the possibility of further restructuring or job losses, Mr McRedmond acknowledged that there would be more job cuts and changes, including staff moving from declining mail services to the expanding parcels operation.

However he stressed that the recent growth in profits had meant the scale of cutbacks would be less than it might have been.

He also pointed to the importance of growing financial services - especially Government business - through the post office network.

He said they were doing extremely well in building up financial services but were still "only in the foothills".

He cited the rollout of foreign exchange to all post offices, not just the larger ones.

[NWpostie]

It would be easier if Ireland joined Britain in their own Irexit. It would simplify a lot of things otherwise we will revert to a post 1922 situation, it is uncertain if passport controls will be introduced however, the EU are being unhelpful with Ireland instead preferring to blackmail the UK to come up with a workable solution instead, it will not work as it would be like putting a square peg in a round hole.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

It would be easier if Ireland joined Britain in their own Irexit.

Never going to happen - Poll suggests 88% of Irish people want Ireland in EU https://www.rte.ie/news/2017/0509/873610-eu_poll/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Should Ireland leave the EU? New poll shows only 10% of voters would back 'Irexit' http://www.thejournal.ie/ireland-leave- ... 5-Feb2018/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In fact, Brexit is more likely to bring about a United Ireland than an Irexit though to be fair the Unionists are not quite there yet.

Hard Brexit poll suggests Northern Ireland would rather join Republic and stay in EU than remain in UK and leave
Majority of people (57.8 per cent) believe the North should be given 'special status' within the EU https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/h ... 98531.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Brexit is a mess we have to sort out, we can't expect anyone else's help as it was our decision.

[NWpostie]

The EU won't give special status for political reasons.
Preservation of the EU is their priority and they are not going to do anything to jeopardise it.

I highly doubt the North will join the South. It never happened in 1922 right up to the creation of the custom union and will revert to 1922 situation ante CU.

I am aware of the strong support for the EU in Ireland.

IMO this fudge is conviluted and it would much stimpler to exit completely and negotiate afterward.

[Celgar]

If Mrs May hadn't had a general election to try and destroy Labour we could have reunited Ireland which would have killed two birds with one stone. We can't do that now though as Mrs May needs the support of the DUP.

[NWpostie]

That never happened in previous elections, NI will not join the South for many socio political reasons, many Irish I've spoken to, are not interested in the idea.