Labour’s plans to overhaul Britain’s overstretched asylum system have forced the Irish government to do the same. As the Northern Irish border is the only international border across these islands, Shabana Mahmood’s pledge to create ‘ by far the most controlled and selective [asylum system] in Europe ’ left Dublin with little choice. Ireland’s Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration – Ireland’s equivalent to the Home Secretary – Jim O’Callaghan warned that Ireland must be ready to adjust its own policies to prevent a surge in applicants travelling via Northern Ireland.

Labour’s announcement has heightened fears that Ireland could be seen as a ‘soft option’ compared with its neighbour

Labour’s announcement has heightened fears in Dublin that Ireland could be seen as a ‘soft opt

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