Elaine Loughlin: If Johnson will tear up this deal, what's to stop him back-tracking on other agreements?

The next three months are crucial in resolving Brexit and the relationship between Ireland and the UK. Picture: Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

"Brexit is for real this time. There will be no more extra time."

Given the threats of cliff-edges, hard Brexits, and no-deals hanging over us for so long now, Simon Coveney's blunt soundings came as relief.