Varadkar hopeful of agreement on Northern Ireland protocol

Taoiseach says all Stormont parties are committed to devolution, despite DUP continuing to block the Assembly and Executive

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar talking to media outside the Stormont Hotel, after his meetings with Stormont's five political parties to discuss the deadlock over the post-Brexit protocol. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA 

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he is hopeful that an agreement on the Northern Ireland Protocol can be reached between the EU and UK that will allow power sharing to be restored.

Mr Varadkar said protocol negotiations are “not in the proverbial tunnel yet” but said he would like to see a deal which is acceptable to all, including unionists.