Taoiseach's first visit to North overshadowed by DUP rebuke over Brexit remarks

Leo Varadkar’s first visit to the North as Taoiseach risks being overshadowed by a row with unionists after the leader of the DUP issued a rebuke over Ireland’s outspoken position on Brexit.

The fallout over Britain’s departure from the EU is now threatening to damage relations between Dublin and unionists amid a political vacuum in the North where there is still no sight of a new power-sharing deal.

Mr Varadkar is expected to set out part of his vision for north-south relations, problems with Brexit and the future of peace on the island when he visits Belfast tomorrow. He is scheduled to give a speech at Queen’s University before holding talks with parties on all sides during the two days of engagements.