Europe UK (Commonwealth Union) – The complex situation between unionists and loyalists may receive new in bringing about a lasting solution, with the Taoiseach of the Irish Republic Leo Varadkar, sounding optimistic and acknowledging the difficulties in resolving the issue.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar became Irish Prime Minister for the 2nd time in December, has been previously viewed with unionists and loyalists with skepticism in regards to resolving the border issue.
“One thing I have said in the past is that, when we designed the protocol, when it was originally negotiated, perhaps it was a little bit too strict. And we’ve seen that the protocol has worked without it being fully enforced,” he said.
The Irish PM further stated that there was not any road map or manual and was not something they expected would take place and they have done their best to deal with it.
“Again, I look forward to travelling to Northern Ireland early in the new year, meeting with all the parties, and reaching out to all parties and all communities in an effort to find a solution.”
Varadkar also stated that Brexit is a reality that will not be reversed, further stating that he accepts that even though he regrets he accepts and what has been carried out since then from the backstop or the protocol was trying to deal with reality and prevent a hard border on the island, to make sure that human rights in Northern Ireland were kept and there was no diminution of them, that is important to him and that the European Single Market is protected, which were his red lines.
Varadkar’s comments were welcomed by Northern Irelands Democratic Unionist Party and the British Government. Former Northern Ireland secretary and current Member of Parliament in Britain Julian Smith tweeted that the comments were positive and further stated that creative politics was needed to find a solution to the border issue.
