It's ironic that Irish exporters face more pain as Sterling gains from Brexit deal optimism

A stronger British currency implies that selling goods and services into Britain becomes less competitive

Sterling has rallied against the euro on hopes for a Brexit trade deal that would lift the threat of an economic siege for Ireland, north and south.   

Ironically, however, the gains by the UK currency will increase the pain in the short term for Irish food and drink exporters and other jobs-rich SME firms who make a living selling their goods and services across the Irish Sea.