Noonan: Ireland wants UK to retain full access to EU market

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said it is in Ireland's interests for the UK to retain open trade with the EU.

Michael Noonan said Ireland will be trying to negotiate for free trade in order to avoid a new border with Northern Ireland.

Earlier the British foreign secretary Boris Johnson suggested the UK would invoke 'article 50' - to begin the Brexit process - early next year.

Speaking to Bloomberg TV, Michael Noonan said: "The best possible position for Ireland is the position after the (Brexit) settlement would be very close to the position before the settlement.

"We would like the UK to have full access to the free market, and that there would be free movement of people."

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said it is in Ireland's interests for the UK to retain open trade with the EU.