Irish Examiner view: Boris in Belfast as Brexit crisis looms

Instead of trying to cajole the Stormont parties 'back to work', Mr Johnson should be orchestrating talks with the EU to solve the Northern Ireland Protocol problem

British prime minister Boris Johnson in Belfast during a visit to Northern Ireland for talks with Stormont parties on Monday. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA

What exactly was Boris Johnson doing in Belfast yesterday?

Prior to travelling to Northern Ireland, the British prime minister said he was going to the province to urge the political parties — only one of whom has prevented the establishment of a government at Stormont — to roll up their sleeves and get back to work in order to facilitate proper governance.