Simon Coveney accused Sophy Ridge of "doing the job of lobbyists" (UK)

Simon Coveney accused Sophy Ridge of "doing the job of lobbyists"

Brexiteers last month provided Theresa May with a mandate to seek further concessions from the European Union to ensure the backstop – which was included to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland – is removed amid fears the mechanism could be used to keep the UK locked into the bloc.

Ms Ridge questioned the Irish deputy Prime Minister whether Ireland would be available to concede on the backstop: "Very clear on no time limit on the backstop. How about a unilateral exit?

"I’m just trying to find out where the red lines are."

Mr Coveney hit back: "Sophy, I’m sorry, you’re now doing the job for lobbyists in the UK, with respect.

"The red lines from an EU perspective, not just an Irish perspective are very clear. The withdrawal agreement is not up for renegotiations.

"The space we are in here is to try to provide reassurance to a majority of people, hopefully, in Westminster that the backstop is temporary."

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