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Brexit: Ireland watches the vote unfold

In 2016, the UK voted on whether to remain a member of, or leave, the European Union. Former Irish diplomat Rory Montgomery takes us behind the scenes in Dublin on result night.

In June 2016, voters in the UK were asked whether they wanted to remain in the European Union or leave. It was a decision that would divide the country and reshape relations with its closest neighbours.

As the result emerged overnight, Rory Montgomery was one of the officials responsible for preparing Ireland's response.

The former diplomat remembers watching the night unfold from Dublin and tells Helen Ledwick why it mattered so much for Ireland.

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(Photo: European Union and Union flags flying together. Credit: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Release date:

9 minutes

On radio

Tue 23 Jun 2026 07:50GMT

Broadcasts

  • Tue 23 Jun 2026 07:50GMT
  • Tue 23 Jun 2026 11:50GMT
  • Tue 23 Jun 2026 17:50GMT
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  • Wed 24 Jun 2026 02:50GMT

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