Irish border question putting Brexit talks “at risk”

The European Commission’s chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier has warned that a viable solution to the Irish border problem must be found to avoid the risk that talks will fail.

French politician Michel Barnier said there is a need for a "clear and operational solution for Ireland" to be included in the Brexit deal at a press conference during his visit to Ireland today.

The chief negotiator has warned that until an agreement on the Irish border is reached, and if the UK does not soften its red line on the issue, "there is a risk" that talks will fail.

He added that the Republic of Ireland has the full support of all EU member states and all EU institutions.

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Barnier wants Britain and the EU to reach an agreement on the Irish border by June, ahead of a hopeful October transitional deal date.

At the press conference, taking place 8km from the border in question, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar denied Ireland and the EU were attempting a land grab.

"There is absolutely no question of Ireland or the European Union being interested in a land grab from Northern Ireland. That is not our agenda, whatsoever. We are totally committed to the Good Friday Agreement," Varadkar told the press.

Varadkar agreed with Barnier, warning that Britain's "approach to negotiations will need to change in some way" if there is to be agreement over the issue reached.

Barnier concluded that he was “not optimistic” and “not pessimistic” but “determined” that the two sides can break the current impasse on talks.