DUP put up a roadblock to progress

IT is hardly surprising the Taoiseach could not hide his disappointment after what he believed was an historic deal collapsed.

Once again the Democratic Unionist Party blocked progress after effectively destroying an agreement which might have ensured peace and prosperity on both sides of the border.

To his credit Leo Varadkar avoided the blame game and instead insisted there is still time to strike a deal that will be acceptable to this country as well and Britain and the EU.

When news of the plan broke yesterday morning the question being asked was how did the British Prime Minister get the DUP to agree. The answer is she didn’t.

The party which has been saying NO to everything positive since its foundation wasn’t found wanting when it came to blocking the wishes of the majority of the people in Northern Ireland who voted to remain in the EU.

Unfortunately Theresa May is dependent on these prisoners of the past to keep her in power.

There is a limited window of opportunity for EU and UK negotiators to reach an agreement but every effort must be made to do so.

The Taoiseach has the support and trust of the people to do what is right for Ireland.

The DUP’S intransigence may well backfire as it could totally derail Britain’s Brexit plans as there can be no movement on trade deals until the border issue is settled.

By refusing to allow an open border these hardliners have inadvertently erected a roadblock to Brexit.