Writing a piece on Brexit & Irl. Revisiting timelines & documents leads to following conclusions. 1. Degree of proactive engagement by Gov with key stakeholders on an all Island basis-peak & sectoral-interests was a major exercise in communication & deliberation. @BrigidLaffan

2. Domestic management was combined with a major diplomatic & political effort-most extensive & complicated in history of state-across Europe, EU institutions & the world. @BrigidLaffan

3. Political & diplomatic effort would not have worked if the arguments were not compelling. Spoke to EU as a peace project & was a demonstration that EU membership mattered @BrigidLaffan

4. As scholars of Irish politics & Irish state, we have not paid enough attention to contrast between those parts of the Irish state that engage with the international system & those that are more inward focused. @BrigidLaffan

5. Those parts of system that are externally focused tend to be more effective, adaptable & agile. Whereas when it comes to addressing urban planning, housing, health & transport-state is less effective. Why?