EU and UK in ‘solution mode’ on Northern Ireland Protocol – Taoiseach

Micheál Martin said he accepted problems with the “practical” operation of the protocol were issues of “genuine concern” to people in Northern Ireland

Mr Martin's visit came on the back of an announcement by European Commission Vice President Maros Sefcovic on Thursday that the EU was preparing to table “far reaching proposals” aimed at reducing the Irish Sea trade friction.

The UK and EU are in “solution mode” on the Northern Ireland Protocol, with the next two months offering a “window of opportunity” to resolve the stand-off, Ireland’s premier has said.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin was in Belfast on Friday to hold talks with Stormont’s political leaders on issues including the contentious post-Brexit trading arrangements that have created economic barriers between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.