The recent cross-border controversy is continuing over trade and competition between the North and the Republic.

DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson has described the All Ireland Civic Forum proposed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny as “a talking shop”.

The North’s First Minister Arlene Foster caused surprise at the weekend when she accused the Irish Government of trying to ‘poach’ investment and talk down the Northern economy following the UK vote to leave the EU.

Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan has contacted Stormont about the remarks to express his concern.

Jeffrey Donaldson (pictured on left below) said there is some evidence to back up the claim. He also claimed the North-South Ministerial Council is being undermined by the All Ireland Civic Forum proposed by Mr Kenny.

The forum will bring together political parties, civic organisations, trade unions, business groups and non-governmental organisations from North and South.

“Why do we undermine the bodies we’ve created by creating other bodies? The North-South Ministerial Council in the Good Friday Agreement is responsbilbe for promoting cooperation on EU matters. That’s what it says.

“Why the Taoiseach has decided to go outside that body is beyond me.”