'Parting is such sweet sorrow': UK and EU reach 'balanced' post-Brexit trade deal

The Taoiseach said that while there is no such thing as a 'good Brexit' for Ireland, he believes this outcome is the "least bad version of Brexit possible" given current circumstances.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said a "fair and balanced" deal has been reached. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the deal will enable the UK to take back control as was promised in the 2016 referendum.

A post-Brexit trade deal has been agreed by negotiators from the UK and the European Union after months of talks and frantic last-minute wrangling.

The deal was secured on Christmas Eve, a week before current trading arrangements expire.