Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has responded to harsh criticism by new DUP leader Edwin Poots of his role in Brexit negotiations by insisting the Northern Protocol was necessary. After his election as leader of the DUP, Mr Poots was asked about his relationship with Dublin. Mr Varadkar said he and everyone in Government understood that the Protocol had created some difficulty for people and businesses in Northern Ireland. Mr Varadkar congratulated Mr Poots on his election and said he knew what an “enormous honour” it was. At the meeting Mr Poots said he has respect for Taoiseach Micheál Martin, but he criticised Mr Varadkar and Mr Coveney.

Source: The Irish Times May 28, 2021 06:59 UTC