In the next few years investors who want to have access to the single European market are "very unlikely" to come to Northern Ireland.

That was the view of Nigel Smyth, Director of the Confederation of British Industry (NI) - giving his initial reaction to the EU referendum result.

The CBI represent 70 of the top 100 companies in the province.

Mr Smyth said: "It (the result) was a substantive shock. It's a momentous decision which will impact on everyone's way of life here. It will have severe implications for business, investment and jobs in Northern Ireland," he said.

"Businesses are resilient and they will get on with it in the short term when we have a period of financial, economic and political instability.

"The first thing we need is to get some calm and leadership."

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