Press conference underway

He adds:

  • Most difficult issue was cast iron agreement of no hard border
  • does not want a border in Irish Sea
  • Ireland received confirmation from EU negotiators that agreement had been reached
  • surprised and disappointed with UK government
  • Irish physician on no hard border unequivocal
  • EU has confirmed EU position is Ireland's position
  • hopes agreement can be concluded in coming days
  • surprised and disappointed UK now not in a position to agree
  • agreement had included wording on regulatory alignment on Irish border
  • importantly listen to DUP, but also important to bear in mind position of of other Northern Ireland parties
  • it was never Ireland's role to make sure DUP was on side
  • believes the agreement Ireland reached to this morning still stands
  • happy to give British PM more time
  • there's still plenty of time before December 14 summit
  • DUP do not represent the majority of people in Northern Ireland; shouldn't forget majority in Northern Ireland voted to remain