Ireland would always have a strong relationship with the UK but for its own good needed to now focus on the European Union.
Brian Hayes MEP said Ireland needed to seriously consider its place in the EU and stop being the state which “keeps saying no”.
Speaking in Dublin last week, he told an audience at Maynooth University time was running out for Ireland as the Brexit process accelerates.
He said: “March 2019 has been set as the time when fundamental change will be decided upon, just in advance of the European Parliament elections.
“This gives us about 18 months to debate and consider what we want from our membership of the European Union and what our priorities are for this debate.”
He called for a “broad national debate” on Ireland’s place in the bloc, saying it does the country no good to be put in the corner.
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Mr Hayes said: “To often Ireland, a longstanding and committed member of the EU, is seen by some as a country that is against further common action across the EU.
“Too often, we are seen as the country that keeps saying no. It is not in our interest to be painted into that corner.”
He said, while important to preserve Ireland’s relationship with the UK, it was time to turn towards the EU.
Mr Hayes said: “Part of our response to Brexit must be to pivot to Europe. This does not mean neglecting the British market – geography dictates that Ireland and Britain will always have the extremely close trading links.
“Brexit does mean however, that Ireland must deepen our trade links and increase our exports to the EU. We need to make our voice heard – before fundamental decisions are taken.”
The MEP had previously urged Theresa May’s Brexit negotiators not to play hardball with the EU, warning them they would end up as “roadkill”.
He said in April: “If they try to play chicken with the European Union in these negotiations they will end up as roadkill.
“Greece tried to do this during their bailout talks and they learned their lesson the hard way.
“If the UK wants to play brinkmanship, they will be facing a very stern opponent.”