Significant divergence has emerged between Ireland and the UK after Britain’s Brexit minister indicated that the agreement committing to no hard border does not have to be kept.

In cautiously steering a Brexit border agreement in Ireland’s favour, the young-gun Taoiseach has shown the maturity of a political heavyweight.

A historic deal guaranteeing no hard border in the North is not an attempt to move towards a united Ireland, the Government has said.

Intense negotiations were ongoing last night between the EU and Britain in an attempt to break the deadlock over Brexit, with hopes that a new deal will be agreed.