The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs has warned against optimism over difficult Brexit negotiations between Brussels and London. My understanding is that they are difficult.”On the subject of a hard border, Mr Coveney said he believes any potential conflict will be more likely to happen in Northern Ireland. “The truth is that if there is going to be unrest, it’s more likely to happen in Northern Ireland than in the Republic of Ireland – that’s the truth of it. “There’s no point pretending otherwise, politics in Northern Ireland has been polarised by Brexit, both communities feel threatened by it. “On the nationalist side, they feel Brexit may create barriers between them and their own country.”On alternatives to the backstop as talks remain deadlocked on the issue, Mr Coveney said all alternatives have been studied.

Source: Irish Examiner March 06, 2019 16:18 UTC