Leo Varadkar sent a defiant message to Britain and the DUP yesterday that there can be no “third deal” on Brexit.
The Taoiseach also ruled out further concessions from the EU.
The Fine Gael leader said: “We have negotiated two deals with the UK Government at this stage, both of them supported by 28 governments.
“There isn’t going to be any further changes and I think the UK Government acknowledges that.”
He admitted he was disappointed there wasn’t a vote on the Brexit deal in the House of Commons on Saturday.
While an extension would be preferable to a no-deal crash out, that would require unanimity among the 27 countries of the EU.
Mr Varadkar thinks it is “more likely than unlikely” the deal on the table will pass in Westminster.
And he added “further clarity” would be needed if an extended pass is to be granted.
The Taoiseach was speaking outside Parnell Park last night after the Dublin hurling county final.
However, Mr Varadkar is confident the deal hammered out in Brussels last week can pass through the House of Commons, and the disastrous no-deal scenario can be avoided ahead of Halloween.
He said: “Well, I think the risk is relatively low. But, nonetheless, we need to continue to prepare for it and as a result of that, we are not stepping down our plans of preparing for a no-deal.
“But obviously there is the possibility of an extension, which would be preferable to no-deal but that does require unanimity from 27 governments and they really want to know what the purpose of this is.
“But even looking at the votes in the House of Commons, while there were quite a number of MPs who voted for an extension, a lot of them have indicated they will vote for the deal.
“So, I think it is more likely than unlikely a deal will eventually pass.”
