Coveney can use trade deficit as Brexit leverage

Minister must show strong hand in Brexit talks

The trade deficit could give leverage to Trade Minister Simon Coveney when dealing with British and EU negotiators who meet in Brussels for the third round of talks this week.

Earlier this month, the UK government published two position papers, once again failing to really grasp the basic requirements to ensure that UK-EU trade remains frictionless once Britain and the North leave the EU.