Leo Varadkar has told Boris Johnson that there is “no such thing as a clean break” with Brexit.
And that if there is a no-deal exit, all the problems like the border will still have to be tackled.
The Taoiseach was strong and forthright in his first face-to-face meeting with Mr Johnson since he became British Prime Minister nearly two months ago.
He said that the backstop is still not up for renegotiation under any circumstances, and that no backstop is the same as no deal to Ireland.
It would just amount to kicking the can down the road, he said.
And in reply, the British Prime Minister said: “my message is this, I want to do a deal.”
He said he is confident that “a deal can be done.”
Mr Varadkar also said that we will be an ally of Britain in their efforts to strike trade deals with other countries after Brexit.
The Taoiseach matched the British Prime Minister for classical references, saying it would be a Herculean effort to secure deals, but that we could be Britain’s Athena.
He said that if Brexit fails by October 31st, all the controversial issues will remain outstanding.
Mr Varadkar said: “We both agree we have much to discuss, we accept the democratic and sovereign decisions to leave the EU.
“However, in my view, the story of Brexit won’t end if the UK leaves the EU on October 31st or January 31st.
“There is no such thing as a clean break.”
He added: “A no-deal will cause much disruption to Ireland.
“All issues which we have resolved in the Withdrawal Agreement, agreed by 28 governments.
“We’ll have to deal with issues like tariffs and state aid, ratified by 28 governments.”
