PM Johnson to speak today at Conservative........>

UK: PM Johnson to speak today at Conservative party conference, expected on his

feet around BST1140 (CEST1240, EDT0640). 

- Telegraph story late on Oct 1 stating Northern Ireland's DUP could support

gov't plan on backstop if time limited with Stormont having veto power. Would

mean some physical infrastructure on island of Ireland to manage trade. 

- But last-ditch effort to get deal with EU seems unlikely to pass muster with

EU, RoI.

- Irish foreign minister Coveney states he is "not too encouraged" by UK offer

on backstop, which he describes as "concerning to say the least".

- Johnson could head to Brussels later this week to try to iron out plan before

European Council summit on 17-18 Oct begins, but prospect of deal being agreed

to and finalised by then seems very slim.