Menu
16/10/2019
Brexit: Varadkar Expresses Hope For A Deal
The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has expressed confidence that a Brexit deal between the UK and EU can be reached by Wednesday evening.
Speaking this afternoon, the Irish premier said he has discussed the matter with Prime Minister Boris Johnson again today and is optimistic that progress is being made. It's hoped a deal could be ratified at the European Council summit on Thursday or Friday.
Currently, the Brexit deadline remains set for 31 October, with Parliament due to sit this Saturday, 19.
Mr Varadkar's comments come as the DUP visits Downing Street for continued talks with the PM.
"There is a pathway to a possible deal but there are many issues that still need to be resolved, particularly around the consent mechanism and issues around customs and VAT," he commented.
"I spoke with the Prime Minister this morning by phone and the European Commission and I do think we are making progress but there are issues that need to be resolved and hopefully that can be done today, allowing us to ratify it at the European Council tomorrow, and allowing the House of Commons to give its view on it on Saturday, but if it's not there is still more time.
"The 31st of October is still a few weeks away and there is a possibility of another summit before that if we need one.
"A lot of things have changed in the last three years, many twists and turns, but what's never changed is our objectives."
The Taoiseach said his key aims remain simple, including the avoidance of a hard border in Ireland, ensuring an all-island economy will continue to thrive and prosper, continued north-south cooperation as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement and protections for the single market.
"Although time is running short I am confident these objectives can be achieved," he added.
"In the mean time, we must continue to make our plans and prepare for no deal, because we have to prepare for the worst case scenario no matter what."
Negotiators will meet at the EU summit on Thursday as talks continue.
(JG/CM)
Speaking this afternoon, the Irish premier said he has discussed the matter with Prime Minister Boris Johnson again today and is optimistic that progress is being made. It's hoped a deal could be ratified at the European Council summit on Thursday or Friday.
Currently, the Brexit deadline remains set for 31 October, with Parliament due to sit this Saturday, 19.
Mr Varadkar's comments come as the DUP visits Downing Street for continued talks with the PM.
"There is a pathway to a possible deal but there are many issues that still need to be resolved, particularly around the consent mechanism and issues around customs and VAT," he commented.
"I spoke with the Prime Minister this morning by phone and the European Commission and I do think we are making progress but there are issues that need to be resolved and hopefully that can be done today, allowing us to ratify it at the European Council tomorrow, and allowing the House of Commons to give its view on it on Saturday, but if it's not there is still more time.
"The 31st of October is still a few weeks away and there is a possibility of another summit before that if we need one.
"A lot of things have changed in the last three years, many twists and turns, but what's never changed is our objectives."
The Taoiseach said his key aims remain simple, including the avoidance of a hard border in Ireland, ensuring an all-island economy will continue to thrive and prosper, continued north-south cooperation as envisaged in the Good Friday Agreement and protections for the single market.
"Although time is running short I am confident these objectives can be achieved," he added.
"In the mean time, we must continue to make our plans and prepare for no deal, because we have to prepare for the worst case scenario no matter what."
Negotiators will meet at the EU summit on Thursday as talks continue.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 March 2024
Renewed Appeal For Help Tracing Paula Elliott
The PSNI have issued a fresh appeal for help in tracing the whereabouts of Paula Elliott, who was last seen on Tuesday, 05 March. The 52-year-old was last seen on CCTV cameras leaving the Sprucefield Court area of Lisburn at 5.30pm, before making her way to Warren Gardens at around 5.36pm.
Renewed Appeal For Help Tracing Paula Elliott
The PSNI have issued a fresh appeal for help in tracing the whereabouts of Paula Elliott, who was last seen on Tuesday, 05 March. The 52-year-old was last seen on CCTV cameras leaving the Sprucefield Court area of Lisburn at 5.30pm, before making her way to Warren Gardens at around 5.36pm.
02 February 2024
Alliance Calls For Swifter Implementation On Gynaecological Services
Alliance has urged for swifter implementation of gynaecological services in Northern Ireland. Although welcoming the recommendations in the "Getting It Right First Time" report on gynaecology across Northern Ireland, Alliance Health representatives have warned that implementation is already lagging.
Alliance Calls For Swifter Implementation On Gynaecological Services
Alliance has urged for swifter implementation of gynaecological services in Northern Ireland. Although welcoming the recommendations in the "Getting It Right First Time" report on gynaecology across Northern Ireland, Alliance Health representatives have warned that implementation is already lagging.
12 March 2024
Appeal Following Serious Collision In Gilford
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a serious road traffic collision on Banbridge Road, Gilford on Saturday 9th March. Just after 10.50pm, it was reported that two vehicles had collided on the road between Lawrencetown and Gilford.
Appeal Following Serious Collision In Gilford
The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a serious road traffic collision on Banbridge Road, Gilford on Saturday 9th March. Just after 10.50pm, it was reported that two vehicles had collided on the road between Lawrencetown and Gilford.
07 March 2024
Murder Investigation Launches After Man Found In West Belfast
A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man found in west Belfast. On Wednesday, 06 March, a man was found with serious injuries in the Cupar Street area just before 8pm. The man was treated at the scene by emergency services before being transferred to hospital. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
Murder Investigation Launches After Man Found In West Belfast
A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man found in west Belfast. On Wednesday, 06 March, a man was found with serious injuries in the Cupar Street area just before 8pm. The man was treated at the scene by emergency services before being transferred to hospital. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
04 April 2024
Public Health Agency Issues Bowel Cancer Awareness Info
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged people to be aware of the risks of bowel cancer and the two key actions – act when you notice symptoms, and take part in screening if eligible.
Public Health Agency Issues Bowel Cancer Awareness Info
The Public Health Agency (PHA) has urged people to be aware of the risks of bowel cancer and the two key actions – act when you notice symptoms, and take part in screening if eligible.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
