Irish FM: Outstanding Issues Proving Very Difficult In Brexit Talks

In similar comments to those delivered by officials and politicians in the EU and the UK, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has said that the outstanding issues in talks with the UK over a post-Brexit FTA (i.e. fisheries, level playing field, governance) are proving 'very, very difficult'.

• Says he is hopeful of a positive outcome and that there is a 'strong incentive' to find a deal.
• Comments mirror those of UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak speaking to BBC radio this morning, saying that a deal is preferable but highlighting points of difference.
• Stories emerging that EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has told his UK counterpart Lord Frost that if no compromise is made in the next 48 hours then his trip to London at the weekend to continue talks should be cancelled.
• Still incredibly difficult to call whether a deal will be reached. Clearly both sides would prefer one, and there is a long history of last-minute compromises in EU talks. However, at present seeing a landing zone for a deal remains tough. There has been no give from either side on any of the three main issues after months of talks, and as such finding any in the next few days looks incredibly tough.