The leader of Fianna Fáil says he thinks Ireland will be given special treatment by Europe after the UK leaves the EU.

Micheál Martin’s comments follow a warning by Angela Merkel that the Irish voice will be heard as much as every other voice.

The German Chancellor met with Taoiseach Enda Kenny in Berlin last week, to discuss Europe’s future following the UK’s Brexit vote.

During the talks she would not guarantee Ireland any special considerations.

However, Micheál Martin believes things may be different behind the scenes.

“I think you need to be careful of the megaphone stuff and the public utterances at times of politicians,” he said.

“I mean, I was at a … meeting where there was seven Prime Ministers of Europe – they were all very conscious of the special relationship between Ireland and Britain and indeed of the peace process and the impact of Brexit on that.”