Irish PM designate says UK election means rejection of hard Brexit

The inconclusive outcome of Britain’s election amounts to a rejection of a ‘hard Brexit’ and provides an opportunity for Ireland, Irish Prime Minister-designate Leo Varadkar said on Friday.

Varadkar, the new leader of the governing Fine Gael who is set to succeed Enda Kenny as premier next week after a parliamentary vote, said he would play his part in ensuring Britian’s exit talks with the European Union are handled in a smooth and coherent manner.

“The results of the UK election indicate to me that there is no strong mandate to proceed with a hard Brexit, which represents an opportunity for Ireland,” Varadkar said in a statement after British Prime Minister Theresa May lost her majority in Thursday’s parliamentary election.

The Brexit negotiations are due to begin this month.