Sir, – Noel Whelan in his article demonstrates precisely why we shouldn't have a seat at the actual negotiating table ("Not insisting on place at Brexit table may prove costly", Opinion & Analysis, August 17th).
Our exposure to Brexit means we could not credibly take a hard line at the table itself. The current set-up – where Ireland is not in the room, but has high prominence in the oversight of the EU’s team, including a veto over both the start and finish of negotiations – is about the most powerful situation I can imagine for Ireland.
The outcome of Brexit will still be bad for Ireland, but we have been given unique power by our allies to defend our interests against Brexiteers. – Yours, etc,
GAV ROCHE,
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Ballina,
Co Mayo.