Brexit: IFSC workers see few silver linings

Aidan Delaney - works for an accountancy firm

“The Irish economy is going to suffer big time because we are hugely depending on the UK from the point of view of both importing and exporting. The way sterling has dropped is going to make exporting more expensive.

“I’m not quite certain that the Brits knew what they were getting into when they voted out but the consequences will be felt across the board for a few years to come.

“I can’t see any positives for Ireland at the moment. They reckon there could be a lot of bank relocation here in Dublin over the next few months which may result in more jobs here.”

Darragh Challoner - works for an architecture firm

"Brexit is a retrograde step by the UK voters. It is like Britain has taken a step 30 or 40 years backwards. The way the vote was swayed by older voters was disappointing. Over half of over 50s voted to leave while nearly three quarters of under 30s voted to remain in the EU. The younger generation in the UK must feel abandoned now and fearful of the future."

Julie Hegarty - works for a State body

“I just think the UK voters are mad to have voted no and that they didn’t think it through. We all live in a multicultural society now and we should be embracing it. Britain has gone backwards by voting no. They should look at their history and what they fought for in the 1940s against Hitler and oppression and fascism.

“It is going to be difficult for Ireland because they are our trading partners but the Irish are resilient and hopefully the Government have a plan so we don’t suffer too much economically as a result.

“I have a son living and working in London so it will be interesting to see if he or his friends will stay long term now or not.”

Bláthnaid Hamilton - works for an accountancy firm

“I feel shocked and disappointed by their decision to leave the EU. I didn’t think Britain were going to leave .This will probably have an affect on Irish workers and could potentially lead to some austerity measures here because Britain is our nearest trading partner and whatever happens them always impacts Ireland.

“One of the only positives is [that] there is chance for more foreign direct investment. That will impact positively on Ireland but, right now, the negatives outweigh the positives.”

“I’m from a Border county so I do think their decision to leave will impact on that region. I’m not old enough to remember the really bad times in the North and the Troubles but it will be really disappointing to see Border controls come back because that will hit trade.”

Christopher Lillis - works for an accountancy firm

“I think Brexit will have a negative affect in Ireland. We were reading in work today about the peace treaties so it kind of scares you thinking about borders or the return of Border controls.

“I was going to buy some sterling today and Brexit will have an effect so I may hold out in case it drops further. It doesn’t look good for any English tourist coming over here.

“Brexit will have an affect on emigration from an Irish point of view. A lot of my friends are working in England and it gives them questions to ask. Hopefully some of them will be able to come back and get jobs here now.”

David Moore - works for an accountancy firm

“The political class forget that people don’t always think about their wallets.The newspapers and general media went on about the economy but the 51.9 per cent who voted to leave didn’t care so much about the economy; they wanted to take back control of their country from the EU.

“Nobody really knows what all this means for Ireland yet. There is a lot of uncertainty but there is also a lot of opportunity because the City of London could be vulnerable. The workforce in Dublin are English-speaking, well=educated and we have the IFSC here. We should see it as an opportunity for us. I saw a report which said JP Morgan is considering a move here if Brexit happens, so that is a positive for Ireland.”