What does Brexit mean for Britain’s relations with Ireland?

The Irish prime minister, Enda Kenny, was quick off the block to react to the referendum result – see his speech below. Having done his utmost to galvanise support among the Irish in Britain for Remain, with no discernible result (though Bob Geldof’s parallel efforts may have driven thousands to Brexit) he’s now getting to grips with the consequences. They are potentially dicey for Ireland; Britain is Ireland’s biggest trading partner – forget German car manufacturers as potential losers from tariffs – and restrictions on free trade would do the country real harm. As for curbs on free movement of people within the island, it would be psychologically disastrous for the politics of the north of Ireland, though I think we don’t need to lose sleep over Gerry Adams’ efforts to do a Nicola Sturgeon and capitalise on the result. Restoring a land border within Ireland would just seem retrograde, old fashioned and a downright irritant to people trying to do business.