US House of Representatives speaker Nancy Pelosi has said that Brexit must not result in the return of a hard Border.

The senior Democrat made the remarks in a speech to members of the Irish parliament as part of the Dail’s centenary commemorations.

TDs, senators and former politicians – as well as U2 singer Bono – were in attendance to hear Ms Pelosi’s address.

Ms Pelosi said that Brexit must not undermine or challenge the Good Friday Agreement or allow the return of a hard Border.

She added that politicians in the US stand with Ireland as it faces challenges posed by Brexit.

“We must ensure nothing happens in the Brexit discussion that threatens the Good Friday accord,” she said.

“If the Brexit deal undermines the accord there will be no chance of a US-UK trade agreement.”

Ms Pelosi said two decades of peace cannot be jeopardised by the Brexit process.

“We treasure the Good Friday accord because it is not just a treaty, it is an ethic, it is a value, it is an article of faith for us, it is a beacon to the world,” she said.

“We treasure the Good Friday accord because of what it says is possible for the entire world and the reason to hope that in every place the dreams of reconciliation is possible for them too.

“As you face the challenges posed by Brexit, know that the United States Congress, Democrats and Republicans, in the House and in the Senate, stand with you.”

She added that children born 21 years ago know only peace.

“We cannot jeopardise that,” she added.