'Very important we listen to the DUP,' says Irish PM with Windsor Framework still in balance

The Irish prime minister has performed down the necessity for the UK authorities to change the brand new UK-EU post-Brexit deal, regardless of the DUP calling for it to be “changed”.

Speaking to reporters in Washington DC, Leo Varadkar mentioned it’s “very important that we listen to the DUP, that we hear their concerns”, including: “They’re the largest unionist party after all, and that does matter.”

Asked by Sky News if he thinks the UK authorities ought to tweak the framework with Brussels with a view to appease the DUP, Mr Varadkar replied: “In fairness, I don’t think anyone has asked for that. My understanding is that the DUP has asked for some clarifications from the British government.

“What the British authorities has mentioned is that they’d have interaction with all 5 main events in Northern Ireland on any adjustments they have been going to make to their home legislation, and I’m certain that’ll occur.”

But that seems to contradict DUP chief Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who desires to see “change” to the brand new settlement. Addressing the National Press Club in Washington as we speak, he mentioned that sure key areas of the deal “require further clarification, re-working and change”.

“Whilst the Windsor Framework goes some way in addressing our concerns, there is still more work to do,” he mentioned.

“The Windsor Framework does not deal with some of the fundamental problems at the heart of our current difficulties.”

The DUP has refused to take its place in Northern Ireland’s devolved authorities at Stormont whereas the controversial Northern Ireland Protocol exists. The celebration sees that association as placing a border between Northern Ireland and the remainder of the UK.

The Windsor Framework – a deal between London and Brussels introduced with a lot fanfare on 27 February – was imagined to resolve the deadlock, however the DUP has refused to bow to stress to simply accept it.

Mr Varadkar additionally described Sinn Fein adverts in US newspapers as we speak calling for a referendum on Irish unity as unhelpful to acceptance of the Windsor Framework.

“I’m someone who believes in unification but I don’t think that’s helpful at this time,” he mentioned.

“It’s a sensitive moment. We’re trying to get everyone on board for the Windsor Framework, and we shouldn’t forget what the Good Friday Agreement says.

“It says there could be a border ballot when it is clear that almost all of individuals north and south would vote for it, and that is not clear in any respect in the intervening time.”

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The adverts, placed by Sinn Fein’s US agents Friends of Sinn Fein, were heavily criticised by the DUP.

“I discover it unimaginable that in newspapers throughout the USA this morning there’s a full web page advert from Sinn Fein calling for a referendum on Northern Ireland being a part of the United Kingdom,” Sir Jeffrey said.

“Sinn Fein is drumming up a whole bunch of hundreds of {dollars} for a divisive border ballot marketing campaign. There is not any proof of rising assist for Northern Ireland leaving the United Kingdom. Indeed, each main ballot factors in the other way.

“Northern Ireland’s future is with unionists and nationalists working together. A border poll would pitch unionists and nationalists against each other and lead to further divisions.”