Thread by @DarranMarshall

Tánaiste Simon Coveney says “we cannot allow one party in Northern Ireland to veto #brexit proposals.” In reference to the DUP. He says DUP accept NI “isn’t Kent or a borough in London.”

.@simoncoveney tells @MarianRTE Sinn Féin’s call for a #borderpoll isn’t helpful and flames fear in unionists. Says Irish gov doesn’t want to threaten integrity of the UK

.@simoncoveney There is no question of a border in the Irish Sea. There must be some checks on goods traveling between two customs areas.

Tánaiste @simoncoveney “there’s a lot of tough talk that the UK can cope with a ‘no deal’ - that’s really bad news for Ireland & UK”
#brexit

Tánaiste @simoncoveney tells @MarianRTE most of the Irish issues on border are agreed (travel area & @BelfastAgmt ) - only the backstop needs to be agreed.

Strong words from Ireland’s deputy PM. #brexit

@simoncoveney “There will be no withdrawal agreement if there isn’t a legal backstop.”

“Let me be very clear, the Taoiseach & I will never sign a treaty that doesn’t ensure the UK commitments on Irish border are followed through.”

.@MarianRTE “People in UK didn’t give a fig about NI during the #brexit referendum.”

@simoncoveney “I think that’s true, but we have ensured that everybody gives a fig about it now.”

Coveney praises support from opposition parties in the Dáil for the Irish Government position - says this is in contrast to the Westminster parliament & Government

.@simoncoveney “There’s an assumption in the UK that now that the British Government has decided what it wants, then that’s it.” Says it’s a negotiation.

Simon Coveney says he hasn’t met DUP leader Arlene Foster for a number of months - though there are ongoing back channels.

Coveney says a link between #brexit & Ireland’s tax rate has ‘never’ been brought up in ‘any discussion’ with the EU