Theresa May: We can find a solution for 'frictionless, seamless border'
The Prime Minister has told Downtown Cool FM that the British and Irish governments are working together to ensure minimal disruption on the border issue.
Last updated 13th May 2017
Speaking at the Balmoral show, Theresa May also said that Brexit is a 'huge opportunity' for farmers here, despite widespread concerns.
Mrs May visited the agricultural and food event in Lisburn on Saturday afternoon, as part of a wider UK visit ahead of the general election in June.
Speaking to our political correspondent , Jordan Moates, the Prime Minister said farmers here should be reassured:
"We've already been able to give assurance up to 2020 because we said last year that the payments farmers are getting from the agricultural policy would continue to 2020.
"Beyond that of course, this is a huge opportunity for the UK.
"It's an opportunity for the UK to determine the best way for us to ensure that we can support our farming industry across the whole of the UK, in a cost effective way.
"So that will be what we will be looking at once we've left the EU."
The Prime Minister also stressed that there is consensus between the British and Irish governments to try and work towards maintaining a soft border during Brexit talks.
"I'm very clear we don't want to see a return to the borders of the past.
"I put in my Article 50 letter to the European Union, that we wanted to ensure the relationship between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, in terms of a border that was as seamless and as frictionless as possible.
"That's what we're working to, we're working with the Irish government on this as well."
The Prime Minister's surprise visit was greeted by a flurry of reporters and camera men as she made her way through crowds to reach the food tent.
She also took time to meet with Northern Ireland's former First Minister Arlene Foster, before she shook hands with her son Ben.
Arlene introduced her child saying he 'wanted to meet the Prime Minister very much.'
Theresa May toured the Balmoral Show in Lisburn where she also stopped to talk to stall holders, including members of the Women's Institute who were dressed up as nursery rhyme characters.
The Prime Minister also posed for selfies with children and chatted to surprised show-goers during the 25-minute visit.
The Prime Minister was later asked about criticism that she had not been involved enough in resolving the Stormont political crisis but pointed to meetings she held before Easter with Mrs Foster and Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill.
"I have been personally engaged. I have had contact with both Michelle and Arlene,'' she said.
"But what is important if we are going to see what we all want, which is a return to a strong and stable devolved administration here in Northern Ireland, is that the parties here in Northern Ireland come together and agree to an agreement that can enable that devolved administration to be established.'' She added.
Hear the full interview: