I covered UK news in one of its most turbulent periods, from the Scottish independence referendum to the vote for Brexit and its aftermath, as a correspondent for Agence France-Presse. Here are a selection of my stories:
The Brexit campaign
I was one of the earliest journalists to report that the Irish border posed a problem for Brexit, flagging the issue in a story co-written with Conor Barrins in April 2015, a year before the referendum was held.
The Irish border.
An ‘unexpected’, ‘surprise obstacle’ to Brexit that ‘no one saw coming’ and ‘only emerged lately as an Irish-EU bargaining chip’.
So what is it doing in this story by myself and @ConorBarrins from April 2015?https://t.co/yihQnxtoMN pic.twitter.com/K5fmAIYAM6— Naomi O’Leary (@NaomiOhReally) June 14, 2019
I reported throughout the campaign and captured the scene for AFP as rival sides ahead of Britain’s referendum on European Union membership clashed in a passionate final debate to the roars of an audience of thousands in a London concert arena.
Rivals clash in heated final Brexit showdown https://t.co/KZehdgyjkG pic.twitter.com/ZV4OCAx1H4
— FRANCE 24 (@FRANCE24) June 22, 2016
I was present at the spontaneous Westminster vigil in the immediate hours after the brutal murder of lawmaker Jo Cox, which halted campaigning days before Britain’s historic vote.
“What’s happened is beyond appalling” Jeremy Corbyn, flanked by tearful Labour colleagues, at vigil for Jo Cox pic.twitter.com/zoSsQoYuvS
— Naomi O’Leary ⚡️ (@NaomiOhReally) June 16, 2016
I also correctly predicted the result.
My winnings for correctly guessing the #Brexit result in the office bet. Too bad it’s in sterling pic.twitter.com/9y7c4AucxO
— Naomi O’Leary (@NaomiOhReally) June 27, 2016
Elections and power struggles
I covered the 2015 general election, writing on the rise of UKIP and the cult of Churchill against a backdrop of rising poverty in the UK.
I reported as leadership battles consumed Britain’s political parties in the aftermath of the Brexit vote.
The latest: British politicians battle to lead in #Brexit aftermath https://t.co/xo0FbYhUOt pic.twitter.com/DCd9MCbB3e
— Naomi O’Leary (@NaomiOhReally) June 30, 2016
Trump in Scotland
I reported for AFP reported as Republican candidate for US president Donald Trump visited Scotland on the morning after Britain’s vote on whether to leave the European Union.
Trump arrives in Scotland and gives his view on #Brexit to the sound of bagpipes: “I think it’s a fantastic thing” pic.twitter.com/LVseQ1DleZ
— Naomi O’Leary ⚡️ (@NaomiOhReally) June 24, 2016
His comments praising Brexit made waves, and his press conference was interrupted by a comedian who scattered swastika-covered golf balls on the ground.
Trump gave most of his press conference in Scotland surrounded by these Nazi golf balls pic.twitter.com/UsUoVK3nkW
— Naomi O’Leary ⚡️ (@NaomiOhReally) June 24, 2016
