She said “now is the time” to seize the opportunity to begin a dialogue on the matter.

Simon Coveney said there is a 'huge problem' with trust in the region and work has to be done first to 'settle' the protocol issue and ensure the Stormont institutions are functioning

Mr Martin said there is a new “middle ground” emerging in Northern Ireland

Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty has called for the campaign for a united Ireland to be stepped up.