ESRI expert: Boris Johnson's exit may lead to trouble

The withdrawal of Boris Johnson from the contest to lead the Conservative Party and his pitch to become the next prime minister means a favourable outcome that aligns with Irish interests from Britain’s talks with the EU is much less likely, the country’s leading Irish expert on Brexit has said.

Edgar Morgenroth, associate research professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute, said the unexpected exit of Mr Johnson — who is seen as pedalling a softer version of the Brexit creed — makes it less likely the UK will strike a compromise with the EU around trade and the free movement of people.

Mr Morgenroth is a leading external adviser to the Irish Government on the economic and political consequences on Ireland, north and south, of the UK vote last week to exit the EU.