Mixed reactions as the UK marks its first day outside the EU while Ireland gains two new MEPs

Reactions to Brexit remained mixed as the UK marked its first day outside the European Union.

But while many are concerned about the future of the border between North and South, the Republic felt the positive effects of the historic divorce.

As of today the European Parliament now has 705 seats, compared with a previous 751 – including two new ones for Ireland.

Due to Britain’s decision to leave the EU, 27 of the 73 UK seats were redistributed to other member states – with 46 reserved for future expansion.

Fine Gael’s Deirdre Clune and Fianna Fail’s Barry Andrews yesterday took their seats in Brussels.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson (Getty)

Ms Clune was elected in the Ireland South constituency in May’s European poll, while Mr Andrews will represent the Dublin constituency.

They were the last candidates to reach the quota following the European elections.

Because of this they had to wait until the UK officially departed the EU to take up their seats.

Meanwhile, General Election independent candidate Peter Casey yesterday claimed Ireland will not begin to feel the “devastating force of Brexit” until Britain implements its new immigration quota system.

Mr Casey, who failed in his presidential bid in 2018, said: “We will be the only fully English-speaking country left in Europe, so it stands to reason Ireland will be the only realistic destination for many people who would previously have gone to Britain.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (left) is greeted by former presidential candidate Peter Casey (right) after both handed in their nomination papers at the offices of the Dublin County Returning Officer in Finglas, Dublin (PA)

“It is a simple fact that we do not have the infrastructure here to cope with a large influx of people.

“We don’t have the ability to house the people already here or provide healthcare services and facilities that are fit for purpose.”

Others north of the border were more optimistic, with Democratic Unionist politician Sammy Wilson claiming the UK broke “free from the EU prison”.

Mr Wilson, who represents East Antrim, said: “As we leave the dank dungeon which has bound our economy, stunted our growth and restricted our economic freedom, it is important the Government does not allow the EU to continue its control through conditions attached in the negotiations which now have to follow about what our relationship is outside the walls of the European Union.”

But the Northern Ireland First Minister has spoken in more conciliatory tones.

Arlene Foster said she is pleased the Brexit vote has been respected, but can understand many people will not be celebrating.

She told RTE’s Late Late Show on Friday night “a lot of people will be sad” that Britain is formally leaving the European Union.

She added: “Whilst we’re leaving the institutions of the European Union, we’re not leaving Europe and we’re certainly not leaving the island of Ireland.

“We will continue to have those neighbourly relationships.”