IRISH people have been left scratching their heads at The Guardian’s front page this morning after British Prime Minister Theresa May triggered Article 50.
The British newspaper has won praise for its clever jigsaw front page depicting Britain and Northern Ireland as the missing piece.
But the illustration also included a number of Irish counties which will be remaining in the EU post Brexit – which didn’t go unnoticed.
It looks like counties Donegal, Cavan and Leitrim, as well as parts of Longford, Louth, Dublin and Wicklow, will be following Britain out of Europe.
The illustration also shows Co. Down, which will be leaving the EU along with Britain, remaining along with most of Ireland.
Newsflash: Donegal, Leitrim and Cavan are also leaving the European Union, according to The @guardian pic.twitter.com/VnWka8Nrgp
— Ronan McGreevy (@RMcGreevy1301) March 28, 2017
Irish people haven’t taken too kindly to The Guardian’s artistic licence.
“Jesus, there was no need to annex part of the Republic of Ireland as well as invoking Article 50,” tweeted one user.
“Newsflash: Donegal, Leitrim and Cavan are also leaving the European Union, according to @Guardian,” wrote another.
Clever front page from @guardian but #BrexitDay appears to claim Donegal, Leitrim and Wicklow too #TheyreStaying #JigsawProblems #Ireland pic.twitter.com/MBHUMXmm43
— Laura-Anne M Furlong (@LAMFurlong) March 29, 2017
Sky News’ Ireland correspondent David Blevins said: “Awfully sorry Donegal. According to the Guardian, Theresa May's taking you out too!”
A number of politicians also got involved.
“Looks like Donegal is coming with us, my cousin Daniel will be pleased,” the DUP's Sir Jeffrey Donaldson joked.
“Hands off Donegal and give us our six counties back too,” wrote Pearse Doherty TD.
Jesus. They really are leaving. And by the looks of things, they're taking Donegal and Dundalk with them. #SaveTheTown https://t.co/0G0PnOUOjk
— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) March 28, 2017
Divorce proceedings between Britain and the European Union have now officially got under way after Theresa May signed the letter that will formally begin Brexit.
In a statement in the Commons, the Prime Minister told MPs this marks "the moment for the country to come together".
Looks like Donegal is coming with us...... My cousin Daniel will be pleased! ? https://t.co/taVo5U98IE
— Jeffrey Donaldson MP (@J_Donaldson_MP) March 28, 2017
@guardian hands off Donegal and give us our six counties back too.
— Pearse Doherty (@PearseDoherty) March 28, 2017
@guardian how many extra counties in the Republic of Ireland do ye intend annexing? We're happy in #Europe over here, slán : ] #BrexitEve
— Cobblestone Dublin (@CobblestoneDub) March 28, 2017
@guardiannews @guardian Jesus there was no need to annex part of the Rep of Ireland as well as envoking Art 50. #brexit #BrexitBritain
— Shay Bourke (@shay_bourke) March 29, 2017
