Menu
04/10/2018
Leo Varadkar To Discuss Irish Border With EU Officials
Ireland's Taoiseach Leo Varadkar will hold meetings with key EU figures on Friday, 05 October, in an attempt to find a solution to the ongoing Irish border backstop disagreements.
Mr Varadkar will meet with President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, and the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.
Ahead of the meetings, Mr Varadkar said: "The negotiations are entering a critical phase, and time is running out. But I believe that an agreement is possible, with the right political will and focus on all sides."
The Irish border has became a sticking point in Brexit negotiations, with the EU and UK unable to find common ground on the terms of the backstop deal that would ensure free movement in the event of the failure of a wider trade deal.
Mr Varadkar has expressed his concern at the possibility of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and the need to avoid this as reason for his meetings with EU officials.
"The withdrawal Agreement must ensure that, no matter what the outcome of negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and UK, a hard border on the island of Ireland will be avoided," he said.
"This is critically important to reinforce the stability brought about by the Peace Process and the Good Friday Agreement."
Mr Varadkar also warned that time is running out on the negotiations.
(JG)
Mr Varadkar will meet with President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, and the EU's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.
Ahead of the meetings, Mr Varadkar said: "The negotiations are entering a critical phase, and time is running out. But I believe that an agreement is possible, with the right political will and focus on all sides."
The Irish border has became a sticking point in Brexit negotiations, with the EU and UK unable to find common ground on the terms of the backstop deal that would ensure free movement in the event of the failure of a wider trade deal.
Mr Varadkar has expressed his concern at the possibility of a hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and the need to avoid this as reason for his meetings with EU officials.
"The withdrawal Agreement must ensure that, no matter what the outcome of negotiations on the future relationship between the EU and UK, a hard border on the island of Ireland will be avoided," he said.
"This is critically important to reinforce the stability brought about by the Peace Process and the Good Friday Agreement."
Mr Varadkar also warned that time is running out on the negotiations.
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 December 2018
Leo Varadkar: EU United On Need To Maintain Backstop
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has said the European Union (EU) is united on its decision to maintain the border backstop in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.
Leo Varadkar: EU United On Need To Maintain Backstop
Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has said the European Union (EU) is united on its decision to maintain the border backstop in the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement.
02 September 2021
Leo Varadkar Visit 'Meaningless Without Fresh Approach'
Leo Varadkar's visit to Northern Ireland will be "meaningless unless he comes with a fresh approach", DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said. Speaking ahead of a meeting between the leaders to be held today, Mr Donaldson said: "Mr Varadkar and some others spent years scaremongering about checkpoints that would never exist.
Leo Varadkar Visit 'Meaningless Without Fresh Approach'
Leo Varadkar's visit to Northern Ireland will be "meaningless unless he comes with a fresh approach", DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson has said. Speaking ahead of a meeting between the leaders to be held today, Mr Donaldson said: "Mr Varadkar and some others spent years scaremongering about checkpoints that would never exist.
19 October 2018
Sammy Wilson: Varadkar's Behaviour 'Despicable, Low And Rotten'
DUP MP Sammy Wilson has branded the Irish Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar's behaviour "despicable, low and rotten" for his reference to violence at the Northern Ireland border during the Troubles, in a statement titled 'How much lower can vile Varadkar stoop?' His scathing attack comes as the Taoiseach appeared before a summit of EU leaders on Wednesd
Sammy Wilson: Varadkar's Behaviour 'Despicable, Low And Rotten'
DUP MP Sammy Wilson has branded the Irish Prime Minister, Leo Varadkar's behaviour "despicable, low and rotten" for his reference to violence at the Northern Ireland border during the Troubles, in a statement titled 'How much lower can vile Varadkar stoop?' His scathing attack comes as the Taoiseach appeared before a summit of EU leaders on Wednesd
30 November 2001
Minister highlights importance of cross border co-operation
Junior minister in the Executive Dermot Nesbitt has stressed the benefits of north-south co-operation at a key event staged in County Louth.
Minister highlights importance of cross border co-operation
Junior minister in the Executive Dermot Nesbitt has stressed the benefits of north-south co-operation at a key event staged in County Louth.
02 November 2018
Brexit Secretary To Meet NI Politicians
Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab will visit Norther Ireland later today, Friday 2 November, for meetings with politicians and business leaders. He is expected to visit a business in the border area. The Northern Ireland backstop remains the major unsolved issue in the current Brexit negotiations.
Brexit Secretary To Meet NI Politicians
Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab will visit Norther Ireland later today, Friday 2 November, for meetings with politicians and business leaders. He is expected to visit a business in the border area. The Northern Ireland backstop remains the major unsolved issue in the current Brexit negotiations.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
