Micheál Martin hopeful of Northern Ireland Protocol deal despite 'challenging negotiations'

While there had been hopes on Friday of a deal as early as Tuesday, the continued refusal by the DUP to agree indicates a slowing down in progress

Micheál Martin stressed the EU was in solution mode to try to solve the issues in the interests of the people of the North.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said he was hopeful of a deal on the Northern Ireland Protocol this week, but said it was not a certainty.

While there had been hopes on Friday of a deal as early as Tuesday, continued refusal by the DUP to agree indicate a slowing-down in progress.