Angela Merkel: Protecting Ireland one of several special interests following Brexit

German chancellor Angela Merkel has spoken of the need to protect Ireland in the aftermath of Brexit as one of a “multitude of special interests”.

Merkel, speaking ahead of this weekend’s meeting of European leaders in Brussels said success for the EU in the Brexit talks hinge on unity among the EU’s remaining 27 members. She said she is encouraged by the unity of the EU27 leaders in the months since the UK Brexit vote on June 23 last.

The chancellor said she was confident this line would hold in the years of complex talks ahead given the “multitude of special interests” to be addressed.