Unionists criticise claims that Northern Ireland Protocol is a 'manufactured issue'

US Congressman Richard Neal made the comments earlier today, prompting anger among Unionist politicians

Congressman Richard Neal with President Michael D Higgins and other members of the US Congressional Delegation at Áras an Uachtaráin. Picture: Maxwells Dublin

Unionist politicians in the North have criticised comments made by US Congressman Richard Neal that the dispute over the Northern Ireland Protocol seemed to be a "manufactured issue".

Speaking in Dublin ahead of his address to the Seanad, Mr Neal said his eight-strong cross-party delegation from Washington are of the view that the protocol issue is minor and “can be ironed out quickly”.