Simon Coveney criticises 'rump' in Conservative Party that wants tension with the EU

The Minister for Foreign Affairs said: 'The EU is offering compromise and wants to negotiate'

Simon Coveney said a new leader should mark a fresh approach on relations between Ireland and Britain especially when it comes to solving the issues around the Northern Ireland protocol. Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie

There is a "rump" in the Conservative Party that wants tension with the EU, Simon Coveney has said.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs took aim at the Tory party on Friday amid a leadership race to replace outgoing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.