Coveney voices optimism about deal on Northern Ireland Protocol

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney, speaks to the media said compromise is needed on the Northern Ireland Protocol (Damien Storan/PA)

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has expressed optimism that the UK and European Union can reach a deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol but cautioned there are just weeks to do it.

The UK government moved to delay the calling of fresh Stormont elections amid protests from the DUP who have demanded action on the post-Brexit trading arrangements before they will re-enter devolved government in Belfast.