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Dublin hints post brexit deal.

post brexit deal

 Leo Varadkar, Ireland's new prime minister, has admitted that Northern Ireland's post-Brexit trading arrangements are "too strict", fuelling hopes of a deal between the UK and the EU to end the dispute.

He admitted a protocol in the UK's Brexit agreement, which created a trade barrier between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, had made pro-UK unionists in the region feel less British and that a compromise was possible. Varadkar, who drew up the protocol in 2019 during his first stint as taoiseach, is an unpopular figure in some parts of the region's unionist and loyalist communities. Britain and the EU hope talks about a protocol reform deal will conclude early this year, ending a bitter stand-off. Challenging issues to fix include checks on goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, which remains part of the EU single market for goods.

But Varadkar's comments will help to enhance the mood music around the talks, which had already improved following the departure of Boris Johnson as UK prime minister in September. « One thing I have said is that, when we designed the protocol when it was negotiated, perhaps it was a little bit too strict.»And that's why I think there is room for flexibility and room changes, and we're open to that. «Varadkar added he hoped to visit Northern Ireland in the coming weeks. » They feel it diminishes their place in the union, creating barriers between Britain and Northern Ireland that didn't exist before.

« Brexit was imposed on Northern Ireland without cross-community consent, without the support of most people in Northern Ireland». US president Joe Biden's administration is putting pressure on Rishi Sunak, the UK premier, and the EU to resolve the dispute over the protocol soon. Biden hopes to visit Northern Ireland and Ireland in the spring, alongside a possible state visit to London. James Cleverly, UK foreign secretary, is expected to speak to Maroš Šefčovič, European Commission vice-president for Brexit issues, in the coming days.

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  1. Marjorie4 January 2023 at 13:13

    And again, we all see what a smart move Brexit was...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Adam4 January 2023 at 14:42

      It keeps getting better and better. Of course Northern Ireland feels the protocol is strict - because it is.

      Delete

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