Ireland has imposed some of the Europe's toughest COVID-19 restrictions to curb the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. Ireland will be the first European Union country to return to the COVID-19 lockdown with the govt issuing countrywide 'stay-at-home' orders.

Ireland imposes tough COVID-19 restrictions to curb on the surge of virus

Facebook has told Ireland’s High Court it cannot see how its services could operate in the European Union if regulators freeze its data transfer mechanism

Facebook may pull social media platforms from Europe

Ireland lost the European Union's top post of trade commissioner after Phil Hogan had to resign following a scandal.

Hogan was asked to resign after he was spotted at an Irish parliamentary golf society dinner defying&nbsp;social distancing and all other coronavirus-related restrictions.

He was asked to resign by Ireland's Prime Minister&nbsp;Micheal Martin. Hogan had later issued an apology saying,&nbsp;"I wish to apologise fully and unreservedly for attending."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-to-recall-parliament-as-lawmakers-defy-covid-19-rules-322491">Also read|&nbsp;Irish PM to recall parliament as lawmakers defy COVID-19 rules</a>

"I acknowledge my actions have touched a nerve for the people of Ireland, something for which I am profoundly sorry," he added.

The apology was followed by Hogan's resignation, after which&nbsp;European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had asked executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis to take over his duties in the interim. She had also urged&nbsp;the Irish government to propose names of suitable candidates for the post — one woman and one man. "It is now up to the Irish government to present suitable candidates for commissioner of Irish nationality," she had said at that time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-to-nominate-replacement-of-phil-hogan-for-eu-trade-chief-role-323468">Also read|&nbsp;Ireland to nominate replacement of Phil Hogan for EU trade chief role</a>

Experts were unsure about Ireland securing the position again. The position has now been handed over to the&nbsp;EU veteran Valdis Dombrovskis, a former Latvian prime minister who is seen as a steady pair of hands for one of the bloc's most sensitive jobs.

Ireland, however, did better than expected in the reshuffle, with the important financial services portfolio going to the country's new commissioner, senior MEP Mairead McGuinness, the EU said.

(With inputs from AFP)

Ireland lost the European Union's top post of trade commissioner after Phil Hogan had to resign following a scandal. Hogan was asked to resign after he was spotted at an Irish parliamentary golf society dinner defying social distancing and all other coronavirus-related restrictions.

Ireland lost the European Union's top post of trade commissioner after Phil Hogan had to resign following a scandal. Hogan was asked to resign after he was spotted at an Irish parliamentary golf society dinner defying social distancing and all other coronavirus-related restrictions. He was asked to resign by Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin. Hogan had later issued an apology saying, "I wish to apologise fully and unreservedly for attending." Also read| Irish PM to recall parliament as lawmakers defy COVID-19 rules "I acknowledge my actions have touched a nerve for the people of Ireland, something for which I am profoundly sorry," he added. The apology was followed by Hogan's resignation, after which European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen had asked executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis to take over his duties in the interim. She had also urged the Irish government to propose names of suitable candidates for the post — one woman and one man. "It is now up to the Irish government to present suitable candidates for commissioner of Irish nationality," she had said at that time. Also read| Ireland to nominate replacement of Phil Hogan for EU trade chief role Experts were unsure about Ireland securing the position again. The position has now been handed over to the EU veteran Valdis Dombrovskis, a former Latvian prime minister who is seen as a steady pair of hands for one of the bloc's most sensitive jobs. Ireland, however, did better than expected in the reshuffle, with the important financial services portfolio going to the country's new commissioner, senior MEP Mairead McGuinness, the EU said. (With inputs from AFP)

Ireland loses EU trade job after Phil Hogan defies coronavirus restrictions

Last week, Ireland's Parliament was recalled as the lawmakers were spotted enjoying a dinner party defying the reimposed coronavirus regulations.

Now, on Thursday, the Irish government has been asked to propose names for replacement for the position of&nbsp;the EU&nbsp;trade commissioner after Phil Hogan resigned for&nbsp;breaching coronavirus guidelines.

Hogan, who was a strong voice in the EU-Brexit talks, was asked to resign by the Irish Prime Minister&nbsp;Micheal Martin after Phil was seen at the dinner party. Hogan's resignation was handed over on Wednesday and&nbsp;European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis would take over his duties in the interim from Thursday.

She has also asked the Irish government to propose names of suitable candidates for the post. "It is now up to the Irish government to present suitable candidates for commissioner of Irish nationality."

"As in the past, I will invite the Irish government to propose a woman and a man."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-to-recall-parliament-as-lawmakers-defy-covid-19-rules-322491">Also read:&nbsp;Irish PM to recall parliament as lawmakers defy COVID-19 rules</a>

The local media is reporting that the Former Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, Foreign Minister Simon Coveney and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe are the possible candidates. However, it is not guaranteed that&nbsp;Ireland will retain the trade portfolio, which is regarded as a key asset protecting the Republic's interests during Brexit trade talks with Britain.

Meanwhile, the Irish PM&nbsp;Micheal Martin has said the government will consider the issue of Hogan's replacement "in due course". Martin is currently busy in handling the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, but has attracted a lot of criticism for his 'failed' efforts and policies.

The PM had earlier recalled the Parliament as several lawmakers were spotted at a dinner party with no social distancing and masks, and the guests eceeded the allowed number of 50.

It is now being investigated by police and has prompted a series of high-level resignations, including agriculture minister Dara Calleary and deputy Senate chair Jerry Buttimer.

(With inputs from AFP)

Last week, Ireland's Parliament was recalled as the lawmakers were spotted enjoying a dinner party defying the reimposed coronavirus regulations. Now, on Thursday, the Irish government has been asked to propose names for replacement for the position of the EU trade commissioner after Phil Hogan resigned for breaching coronavirus guidelines.

Last week, Ireland's Parliament was recalled as the lawmakers were spotted enjoying a dinner party defying the reimposed coronavirus regulations. Now, on Thursday, the Irish government has been asked to propose names for replacement for the position of the EU trade commissioner after Phil Hogan resigned for breaching coronavirus guidelines. Hogan, who was a strong voice in the EU-Brexit talks, was asked to resign by the Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin after Phil was seen at the dinner party. Hogan's resignation was handed over on Wednesday and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said executive vice-president Valdis Dombrovskis would take over his duties in the interim from Thursday. She has also asked the Irish government to propose names of suitable candidates for the post. "It is now up to the Irish government to present suitable candidates for commissioner of Irish nationality." "As in the past, I will invite the Irish government to propose a woman and a man." Also read: Irish PM to recall parliament as lawmakers defy COVID-19 rules The local media is reporting that the Former Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, Foreign Minister Simon Coveney and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe are the possible candidates. However, it is not guaranteed that Ireland will retain the trade portfolio, which is regarded as a key asset protecting the Republic's interests during Brexit trade talks with Britain. Meanwhile, the Irish PM Micheal Martin has said the government will consider the issue of Hogan's replacement "in due course". Martin is currently busy in handling the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, but has attracted a lot of criticism for his 'failed' efforts and policies. The PM had earlier recalled the Parliament as several lawmakers were spotted at a dinner party with no social distancing and masks, and the guests eceeded the allowed number of 50. It is now being investigated by police and has prompted a series of high-level resignations, including agriculture minister Dara Calleary and deputy Senate chair Jerry Buttimer. (With inputs from AFP)

Ireland to nominate replacement of Phil Hogan for EU trade chief role

The Irish parliament will be recalled following the scandal of politicians defying social distancing regulations for a cultural gathering.

The decision was announced by the&nbsp;Irish premier Micheal Martin on Sunday evening assuring that the parliament will be recalled and&nbsp;he also added that he has aksed the&nbsp;EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan to consider resigning from his post.

The decision was jointly taken by Martin, his coalition government partners, deputy prime minister Leo Varadkar and cabinet minister Eamon Ryan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-ireland-win-fight-against-15-billion-eu-tax-order-313454">Also read|&nbsp;Apple, Ireland win fight against $15 billion EU tax order</a>

The scandal was revealed two days ago when a local newspaper claimed that the politicians attended a&nbsp;Oireachtas (parliament) Golf Society dinner on Wednesday night, defying all rules put in place to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The event, which was attended by nearly 80 people, was held 24 hours after the local government had reimposed coronavirus restrictions to contain the spread of the virus amid fresh surge of cases in the country.

The event was held for the lawmakers even though the&nbsp; government had strictly imposed the rule of&nbsp;no "formal or informal events or parties" at restaurants and/or hotels. Not just this, the local media also reported that the attendees were seen sharing tables in numbers of 10. To steer clear of breaking the rule of maximum 50 people in a room, the organisers decided to play smart and installed a temporary partition in the room.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-ireland-delays-lifting-travelling-ban-to-make-quarantine-arrangements-310897">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Ireland delays lifting travelling ban to make quarantine arrangements</a>

While&nbsp;Irish agriculture minister Dara Calleary and deputy chair of the parliament's upper chamber Jerry Buttimer have both already resigned for their attendance at the event, Hogan's spokesperson has said he will consider the request as he was under the impression that all rules are being followed. He later apologised for "the distress caused by his participation".&nbsp;

However, Martin's office believes&nbsp;"the commissioner's apology came late and... he still needs to give a full account and explanations of his actions."

The coalition partners agreed parliament should return after schools have reopened over the next two weeks, following their closure in March due to coronavirus. The finald ecision on recalling the parliament will be made on Monday.

The Irish parliament will be recalled following the scandal of politicians defying social distancing regulations for a cultural gathering. The decision was announced by the Irish premier Micheal Martin on Sunday evening assuring that the parliament will be recalled and he also added that he has aksed the EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan to consider resigning from his post.

The Irish parliament will be recalled following the scandal of politicians defying social distancing regulations for a cultural gathering. The decision was announced by the Irish premier Micheal Martin on Sunday evening assuring that the parliament will be recalled and he also added that he has aksed the EU trade commissioner Phil Hogan to consider resigning from his post. The decision was jointly taken by Martin, his coalition government partners, deputy prime minister Leo Varadkar and cabinet minister Eamon Ryan. Also read| Apple, Ireland win fight against $15 billion EU tax order The scandal was revealed two days ago when a local newspaper claimed that the politicians attended a Oireachtas (parliament) Golf Society dinner on Wednesday night, defying all rules put in place to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The event, which was attended by nearly 80 people, was held 24 hours after the local government had reimposed coronavirus restrictions to contain the spread of the virus amid fresh surge of cases in the country. The event was held for the lawmakers even though the government had strictly imposed the rule of no "formal or informal events or parties" at restaurants and/or hotels. Not just this, the local media also reported that the attendees were seen sharing tables in numbers of 10. To steer clear of breaking the rule of maximum 50 people in a room, the organisers decided to play smart and installed a temporary partition in the room. Also read| COVID 19: Ireland delays lifting travelling ban to make quarantine arrangements While Irish agriculture minister Dara Calleary and deputy chair of the parliament's upper chamber Jerry Buttimer have both already resigned for their attendance at the event, Hogan's spokesperson has said he will consider the request as he was under the impression that all rules are being followed. He later apologised for "the distress caused by his participation". However, Martin's office believes "the commissioner's apology came late and... he still needs to give a full account and explanations of his actions." The coalition partners agreed parliament should return after schools have reopened over the next two weeks, following their closure in March due to coronavirus. The finald ecision on recalling the parliament will be made on Monday.

Irish PM to recall parliament as lawmakers defy COVID-19 rules

Two cousins who were blown out to sea paddle boarding off Ireland's west coast were found clinging to a lobster pot even after a 15-hour ordeal.

The Irish Coast Guard said the women, aged 17 and 23, were rescued on Thursday after being reported missing the previous evening. This had then prompted an overnight air and sea search of Galway Bay.

They survived heavy rain and strong winds without wetsuits, although they were wearing buoyancy aids, Barry Heskin from the RNLI lifeboat service told public broadcaster RTE.

A local fisherman eventually tracked down the pair 27 kilometres (17 miles) from where they were last seen, having set off with his 18-year-old son to find them, RTE reported. He said they were waving their paddles up in the air when they were spotted.

Their paddle boards were inflatable, which meant the wind would have pushed them out to sea quicker, a local coastguard boss also told RTE.

Two cousins who were blown out to sea paddle boarding off Ireland's west coast were found clinging to a lobster pot even after a 15-hour ordeal. The Irish Coast Guard said the women, aged 17 and 23, were rescued on Thursday after being reported missing the previous evening.

Two cousins who were blown out to sea paddle boarding off Ireland's west coast were found clinging to a lobster pot even after a 15-hour ordeal. The Irish Coast Guard said the women, aged 17 and 23, were rescued on Thursday after being reported missing the previous evening. This had then prompted an overnight air and sea search of Galway Bay. They survived heavy rain and strong winds without wetsuits, although they were wearing buoyancy aids, Barry Heskin from the RNLI lifeboat service told public broadcaster RTE. A local fisherman eventually tracked down the pair 27 kilometres (17 miles) from where they were last seen, having set off with his 18-year-old son to find them, RTE reported. He said they were waving their paddles up in the air when they were spotted. Their paddle boards were inflatable, which meant the wind would have pushed them out to sea quicker, a local coastguard boss also told RTE.

Two paddle boarders found after 15 hours off Irish coast

A&nbsp;27-year-old man was saved through joint efforts of Facebook, Delhi police and Mumbai police on Saturday night with the help of technology.

An Ireland-based Facebook employee spotted various pictures and videos on this man's profile that hinted towards a possibility of suicidal thoughts.&nbsp;

The Facebook staffer reacted quickly and wittingly to these red flags and contacted&nbsp;Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber) Anyesh Roy as the victim, whose name has not been revealed, had his contact number registered to a Delhi network.

The Delhi Police traced the number under the command of&nbsp;Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Jasmeet Singh and reached to the listed address, only to find out the resident of the property, the unnamed man's wife, to be safe on Saturday night.

However, the woman informed the police that the Facebook account was handled by her husband who had left for Mumbai few days ago, after a fight, to work as a Chef in a small hotel.

Roy contacted his Mumbai counterpart&nbsp;DCP (Cyber) Rashmi Karandikar, who started a search mission for the man, with nothing but just his phone number.

Karandikar was able to locate and save the man around 1:30 am, after asking his mother to video call him, which didn't connect. His location was traced after he called back his mother through another phone number.

"The man then contacted his mother through another number and that's how we traced his location. For an hour, one of my officers kept him engaged on phone call and tried to convince him to not take any an extreme step," the senior Mumbai police officer said.

The man claimed he was under huge financial burden and was unable to provide for his family, especially his newly-born child.

If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional.&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://aasra.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aasra</a>&nbsp;(Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://snehaindia.org/new/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sneha</a>&nbsp;(Chennai) 044-24640050,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://sumaitri.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sumaitri&nbsp;</a>(Delhi) 011-23389090,<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://cooj.co.in/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&nbsp;Cooj</a>&nbsp;(Goa) 0832- 2252525,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://jeevanhelplinesuicideprevention.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jeevan</a>&nbsp;(Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="http://www.maithrikochi.in/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maithri&nbsp;</a>(Kochi) 0484-2540530,&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://roshnitrusthyd.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Roshni&nbsp;</a>(Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata),&nbsp;<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://parivarthan.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parivarthan</a>&nbsp;(Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 
&nbsp;

WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations

A 27-year-old man was saved through joint efforts of Facebook, Delhi police and Mumbai police on Saturday night with the help of technology. An Ireland-based Facebook employee spotted various pictures and videos on this man's profile that hinted towards a possibility of suicidal thoughts.

A 27-year-old man was saved through joint efforts of Facebook, Delhi police and Mumbai police on Saturday night with the help of technology. An Ireland-based Facebook employee spotted various pictures and videos on this man's profile that hinted towards a possibility of suicidal thoughts. The Facebook staffer reacted quickly and wittingly to these red flags and contacted Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber) Anyesh Roy as the victim, whose name has not been revealed, had his contact number registered to a Delhi network. The Delhi Police traced the number under the command of Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Jasmeet Singh and reached to the listed address, only to find out the resident of the property, the unnamed man's wife, to be safe on Saturday night. However, the woman informed the police that the Facebook account was handled by her husband who had left for Mumbai few days ago, after a fight, to work as a Chef in a small hotel. Roy contacted his Mumbai counterpart DCP (Cyber) Rashmi Karandikar, who started a search mission for the man, with nothing but just his phone number. Karandikar was able to locate and save the man around 1:30 am, after asking his mother to video call him, which didn't connect. His location was traced after he called back his mother through another phone number. "The man then contacted his mother through another number and that's how we traced his location. For an hour, one of my officers kept him engaged on phone call and tried to convince him to not take any an extreme step," the senior Mumbai police officer said. The man claimed he was under huge financial burden and was unable to provide for his family, especially his newly-born child. If you or someone you know wants help for mental well being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, 98204 66726, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata), Parivarthan (Bangalore) +91 76766 02602 WION is not associated with any of these organisations and does not make any recommendations

Facebook, Delhi police and Mumbai police save a 'suicidal man'

Europe's second-highest court on Wednesday rejected an EU order for&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;to pay 13 billion euros ($15 billion) in Irish back taxes, dealing a blow to the bloc's attempts to crack down on sweetheart tax deals.

In its order four years ago, the European Commission said&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;benefited from illegal state aid via two Irish tax rulings that artificially reduced its tax burden for over two decades - to as low as 0.005% in 2014.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/apple-to-give-25-compensation-to-eligible-users-for-deliberately-slowing-down-older-iphones-313401" hreflang="en">Apple to give $25 compensation to eligible users for deliberately slowing down older iPhones</a>

"The General Court annuls the contested decision because the Commission did not succeed in showing to the requisite legal standard that there was an advantage for the purposes of Article 107(1) TFEU1," judges said, referring to EU competition rules.&nbsp;

The defeat for European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager could weaken or delay pending cases against Ikea's and Nike's deals with the Netherlands, as well as Huhtamaki's agreement with Luxembourg.

Vestager, who has made the tax crackdown a centrepiece of her time in office, saw the same court last year overturn her demand for Starbucks to pay up to 30 million euros in Dutch back taxes. In another case, the court also threw out her ruling against a Belgian tax scheme for 39 multinationals.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/technology/over-2500-games-removed-from-apples-china-app-store-after-loophole-shuts-313379" hreflang="en">Over 2,500 games removed from Apple's China App Store after loophole shuts</a>

While 14 billion euros - including interest - would have gone a long way to plugging the coronavirus-shaped hole in Ireland's finances, Dublin appealed against the Commission's order alongside&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;because it wanted to protect a low tax regime that has attracted 250,000 multinational employers.

However, the government is likely to face strong criticism from opposition parties for not taking the cash, which could cover at least half of a budget deficit forecast to balloon to as much as 10% of GDP this year.

&nbsp;The defeated side can appeal on points of law to the EU Court of Justice, Europe's highest court.

Europe's second-highest court on Wednesday rejected an EU order for Apple to pay 13 billion euros ($15 billion) in Irish back taxes, dealing a blow to the bloc's attempts to crack down on sweetheart tax deals.

Europe's second-highest court on Wednesday rejected an EU order for Apple to pay 13 billion euros ($15 billion) in Irish back taxes, dealing a blow to the bloc's attempts to crack down on sweetheart tax deals. In its order four years ago, the European Commission said Apple benefited from illegal state aid via two Irish tax rulings that artificially reduced its tax burden for over two decades - to as low as 0.005% in 2014. Also read: Apple to give $25 compensation to eligible users for deliberately slowing down older iPhones "The General Court annuls the contested decision because the Commission did not succeed in showing to the requisite legal standard that there was an advantage for the purposes of Article 107(1) TFEU1," judges said, referring to EU competition rules. The defeat for European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager could weaken or delay pending cases against Ikea's and Nike's deals with the Netherlands, as well as Huhtamaki's agreement with Luxembourg. Vestager, who has made the tax crackdown a centrepiece of her time in office, saw the same court last year overturn her demand for Starbucks to pay up to 30 million euros in Dutch back taxes. In another case, the court also threw out her ruling against a Belgian tax scheme for 39 multinationals. Also read: Over 2,500 games removed from Apple's China App Store after loophole shuts While 14 billion euros - including interest - would have gone a long way to plugging the coronavirus-shaped hole in Ireland's finances, Dublin appealed against the Commission's order alongside Apple because it wanted to protect a low tax regime that has attracted 250,000 multinational employers. However, the government is likely to face strong criticism from opposition parties for not taking the cash, which could cover at least half of a budget deficit forecast to balloon to as much as 10% of GDP this year. The defeated side can appeal on points of law to the EU Court of Justice, Europe's highest court.

Apple, Ireland win fight against $15 billion EU tax order

After being able to contain the spread of coronavirus to a certain satisfactory limit, Ireland has decided to delay easing of the travel restrictions until July 20.

The Ireland government had earlier planned to ease travelling restrictions from July 09. However, the date has now been pushed to July 20 to make sure that the government is ready with all the necessaty protocols and arrangements.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-uk-to-invest-10-million-in-a-new-study-health-minister-thanks-locals-310849">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: UK to invest 10 million in a new study; Health Minister thanks locals</a>

The officials have said they are coming up with ways to allow travelers coming in the country from "green list" to be exempted from the compulsory 14-day quarantine rule. The countries in this "green list" will be the ones that have the similar, if not less, rate of coronavirus cases to Ireland.

"A so-called green list... will be published on July 20, or prior to that," Transport Minister&nbsp;Eamon Ryan said on Sunday. "The green list will be operating after that" date, he said.

Ryan also said that while every traveler will not be tested at the airport, the government is trying to come up with ways to conduct as many and accurate COVID-19 tests.

Ireland has, till this date, recorded 25,498 cases, including 1,740 deaths.

After being able to contain the spread of coronavirus to a certain satisfactory limit, Ireland has decided to delay easing of the travel restrictions until July 20.

After being able to contain the spread of coronavirus to a certain satisfactory limit, Ireland has decided to delay easing of the travel restrictions until July 20. The Ireland government had earlier planned to ease travelling restrictions from July 09. However, the date has now been pushed to July 20 to make sure that the government is ready with all the necessaty protocols and arrangements. Also read| COVID 19: UK to invest 10 million in a new study; Health Minister thanks locals The officials have said they are coming up with ways to allow travelers coming in the country from "green list" to be exempted from the compulsory 14-day quarantine rule. The countries in this "green list" will be the ones that have the similar, if not less, rate of coronavirus cases to Ireland. "A so-called green list... will be published on July 20, or prior to that," Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said on Sunday. "The green list will be operating after that" date, he said. Ryan also said that while every traveler will not be tested at the airport, the government is trying to come up with ways to conduct as many and accurate COVID-19 tests. Ireland has, till this date, recorded 25,498 cases, including 1,740 deaths.

COVID 19: Ireland delays lifting travelling ban to make quarantine arrangements

Ireland’s parliament picked veteran opposition leader Micheál Martin as prime minister on Saturday to head the first ever coalition uniting the two parties that have battled each other for power since a civil war nearly a century ago.

He pledged to rescue Ireland from the “the fastest-moving recession ever to hit”, brought on by the coronavirus crisis.

Martin’s Fianna Fail party was forced to join forces with its foes Fine Gael, after a surprise election surge for leftist Irish nationalists Sinn Fein left neither of the traditional centrist parties with enough support to govern on its own. They and are joined in coalition by the environmentalist Greens.

Under a novel agreement, Martin is expected to step aside half way through the five-year term to allow Fine Gael’s leader, outgoing Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, to return to the post.

“There is no question what our most urgent work is. There is no community, no part of our country which has escaped untouched” by coronavirus), Martin told a special sitting of lawmakers, held in Dublin’s large Convention Centre as the houses of parliament are too small for social distancing.

To overcome the recession “we must act with urgency and ambition,” said Martin, close to tears as he thanked his family who were unable to travel from his native Cork due to coronavirus restrictions due to be eased on Monday.

He was elected by 93 votes to 63 after also securing support from some independent members of parliament.

The appointment represented a turnaround for Fianna Fail and Martin, who was a member of the government that signed up to an EU/IMF bailout a decade ago and led to an unprecedented 2011 electoral collapse just after he took over as leader.

The 59-year-old former history teacher, who has held several senior ministries including health, trade, foreign affairs and education, faces another economic crisis with 26% of the country either temporarily or permanently unemployed.

The jobless rate was just 4.8% when the election was fought in very different circumstances in February. The main issue then was over how to allot the spoils of what was Europe’s fastest growing economy.

Instead Martin will oversee a stimulus package next month for the sectors hardest hit by the coronavirus lockdown.

The new coalition will also split Irish politics along more explicitly ideological lines than in the past, with Sinn Fein taking over as the main opposition. Though Fianna Fail and Fine Gael emerged from opposite sides in civil war in the 1920s, they have mainly pushed similar centrist agendas for decades.

Sinn Fein, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army that fought an insurgency against British rule of Northern Ireland, shocked the political establishment in February by securing the most votes with a call for more generous social programmes. It has 37 seats in the 160-seat parliament, the same number as Fianna Fail and two more than Fine Gael.

“You will no longer get it all your own way,” Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald told the two parties.

Ireland’s parliament picked veteran opposition leader Micheál Martin as prime minister on Saturday to head the first ever coalition uniting the two parties that have battled each other for power since a civil war nearly a century ago.

Ireland’s parliament picked veteran opposition leader Micheál Martin as prime minister on Saturday to head the first ever coalition uniting the two parties that have battled each other for power since a civil war nearly a century ago. He pledged to rescue Ireland from the “the fastest-moving recession ever to hit”, brought on by the coronavirus crisis. Martin’s Fianna Fail party was forced to join forces with its foes Fine Gael, after a surprise election surge for leftist Irish nationalists Sinn Fein left neither of the traditional centrist parties with enough support to govern on its own. They and are joined in coalition by the environmentalist Greens. Under a novel agreement, Martin is expected to step aside half way through the five-year term to allow Fine Gael’s leader, outgoing Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, to return to the post. “There is no question what our most urgent work is. There is no community, no part of our country which has escaped untouched” by coronavirus), Martin told a special sitting of lawmakers, held in Dublin’s large Convention Centre as the houses of parliament are too small for social distancing. To overcome the recession “we must act with urgency and ambition,” said Martin, close to tears as he thanked his family who were unable to travel from his native Cork due to coronavirus restrictions due to be eased on Monday. He was elected by 93 votes to 63 after also securing support from some independent members of parliament. The appointment represented a turnaround for Fianna Fail and Martin, who was a member of the government that signed up to an EU/IMF bailout a decade ago and led to an unprecedented 2011 electoral collapse just after he took over as leader. The 59-year-old former history teacher, who has held several senior ministries including health, trade, foreign affairs and education, faces another economic crisis with 26% of the country either temporarily or permanently unemployed. The jobless rate was just 4.8% when the election was fought in very different circumstances in February. The main issue then was over how to allot the spoils of what was Europe’s fastest growing economy. Instead Martin will oversee a stimulus package next month for the sectors hardest hit by the coronavirus lockdown. The new coalition will also split Irish politics along more explicitly ideological lines than in the past, with Sinn Fein taking over as the main opposition. Though Fianna Fail and Fine Gael emerged from opposite sides in civil war in the 1920s, they have mainly pushed similar centrist agendas for decades. Sinn Fein, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army that fought an insurgency against British rule of Northern Ireland, shocked the political establishment in February by securing the most votes with a call for more generous social programmes. It has 37 seats in the 160-seat parliament, the same number as Fianna Fail and two more than Fine Gael. “You will no longer get it all your own way,” Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald told the two parties.

Martin named new Irish prime minister, vows to tackle deep recession

April 24 in history: Easter uprising by Irish, China launches first satellite and more

Ireland on Tuesday said large-scale events would remain banned until the end of August, as part of measures to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, reported news agency AFP.

Ireland on Tuesday said large-scale events would remain banned until the end of August, as part of measures to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, reported news agency AFP. According to the report, the government said in a statement that local authorities had been told that "events requiring licences in excess of 5,000 (people) will not be considered for the period up to the end of August". Ireland is perhaps the first country to ban large gatherings until August.

Ireland bans gatherings of over 5,000 until the end of August: Report 

US airlines have announced drastic reductions in flights after President Donald Trump's administration banned foreign travellers arriving from Europe.

United Airlines said it would announce a cut in the capacity of around 50 per cent for April and May, as the United States ramps up restrictions to try and contain the spread of the coronavirus.

"We also now expect these deep cuts to extend into the summer travel period," said chief executive Oscar Munoz and company president Scott Kirby in a letter to employees published on the airline's website on Sunday.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/airline-crisis-worsens-as-us-puts-europeans-in-coronavirus-quarantine-285968">Airline crisis worsens as US puts Europeans in coronavirus quarantine</a>

In the first half of March -- usually the busiest month of the year United had "welcomed more than one million fewer customers on-board our aircraft than the same period last year."

Revenue for March 2020 was projected to be $1.5 billion lower than last March, the letter added.

The airline has begun speaking to unions "about how to reduce our payroll expense," it said, acknowledging this would be "painful" but that senior staff had already been told their salaries would be halved.

American Airlines said it would reduce all international capacity by 75 per cent.

"This suspension will last through May 6," the carrier said. "This change is in response to decreased demand and changes to US government travel restrictions due to coronavirus."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-qantas-virgin-atlantic-among-many-who-banned-flights-to-china-among-coronavirus-outbreak-280547">United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic among many who have extended flight ban to China on Coronavirus Fears</a>

It also said domestic service would be reduced by 20 per cent in April compared to last year.

Its competitor Delta said it would "significantly reduce its US to Europe flying beginning Monday, March 16, following the US government directive restricting travel between the US and Europe."

Southwest Airlines said it "will likely make service reductions based on demand."

The US restrictions on travel from Europe took effect at midnight Friday and were later extended to Britain and Ireland as of Tuesday.

US airlines had already suspended flights between the US and Italy, hard-hit by the virus, and earlier between the US and China where the new coronavirus emerged in December.

US airlines have announced drastic reductions in flights after President Donald Trump's administration banned foreign travellers arriving from Europe. United Airlines said it would announce a cut in the capacity of around 50 per cent for April and May, as the United States ramps up restrictions to try and contain the spread of the coronavirus.

US airlines have announced drastic reductions in flights after President Donald Trump's administration banned foreign travellers arriving from Europe. United Airlines said it would announce a cut in the capacity of around 50 per cent for April and May, as the United States ramps up restrictions to try and contain the spread of the coronavirus. "We also now expect these deep cuts to extend into the summer travel period," said chief executive Oscar Munoz and company president Scott Kirby in a letter to employees published on the airline's website on Sunday. Also Read: Airline crisis worsens as US puts Europeans in coronavirus quarantine In the first half of March -- usually the busiest month of the year United had "welcomed more than one million fewer customers on-board our aircraft than the same period last year." Revenue for March 2020 was projected to be $1.5 billion lower than last March, the letter added. The airline has begun speaking to unions "about how to reduce our payroll expense," it said, acknowledging this would be "painful" but that senior staff had already been told their salaries would be halved. American Airlines said it would reduce all international capacity by 75 per cent. "This suspension will last through May 6," the carrier said. "This change is in response to decreased demand and changes to US government travel restrictions due to coronavirus." Also Read: United, Qantas, Virgin Atlantic among many who have extended flight ban to China on Coronavirus Fears It also said domestic service would be reduced by 20 per cent in April compared to last year. Its competitor Delta said it would "significantly reduce its US to Europe flying beginning Monday, March 16, following the US government directive restricting travel between the US and Europe." Southwest Airlines said it "will likely make service reductions based on demand." The US restrictions on travel from Europe took effect at midnight Friday and were later extended to Britain and Ireland as of Tuesday. US airlines had already suspended flights between the US and Italy, hard-hit by the virus, and earlier between the US and China where the new coronavirus emerged in December.

Air carriers in US cancel flights amid coronavirus crisis

PM Leo Varadkar has resigned after Ireland parliament entered deadlock over the choice of a new premier.

However, he retained his role as the interim leader while the country's three main parties battle out coalition talks after an inconclusive election.

He handed over his resignation to President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Michael Higgins</a> after a tempestuous but inconclusive sitting of the Dáil Éireann, which met for the first time since the February 8 election.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Sinn Fein surges as most popular party in Irish election</a>

It adjourned until March 5, giving party leaders three weeks to try to form a ruling coalition.

"In accordance with the constitution, the government will continue to carry on their duties until successors have been appointed," a government statement said.

Varadkar, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Sinn Fein</a> leader, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Mary Lou McDonald</a>, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Fianna Fail</a> leader, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Micheal Martin</a>, and the Green party leader, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Eamon Ryan</a>, were nominated by their parties but all, as expected, fell far short of an 80-seat majority in the 160-seat chamber.

McDonald won the most 45 votes, with 84 against and 29 abstentions.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-the-end-for-varadkar-is-nigh-irish-vote-may-give-sinn-fein-a-surging-lead-279496">The end for Varadkar is nigh</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Sinn Fein</a>, which once served as the political wing of paramilitary the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinn-fein-surges-as-most-popular-party-in-irish-election-279810">Irish Republican Army</a> (IRA), became the second biggest party with 37 seats, breaking the historic duopoly of centre-right parties Fine Gael and Fianna Fail.

However, the 33rd dáil ended in a stalemate.

"The onus is on those who have made enormous promises of change to people during this election, who are entrusted with that mandate to bring a programme for government to the Dail for approval,"&nbsp;Varadkar&nbsp;said in parliament before departing to resign.&nbsp;

"If they cannot, they should say so and be upfront and honest about their failure, and the empty promises they made," he added.

Sinn Fein has been historically associated with the IRA which fought British rule in Northern Ireland for decades until the late 1990s when a peace agreement largely ended violence that left more than 3,000 dead on all sides.

It won the popular vote with 24.5 per cent of first preference ballots and picked up 14 seats by attracting voters with a campaign focusing on Ireland's housing shortage and health crisis.

PM Leo Varadkar has resigned after Ireland parliament entered deadlock over the choice of a new premier. However, he retained his role as the interim leader while the country's three main parties battle out coalition talks after an inconclusive election.

PM Leo Varadkar has resigned after Ireland parliament entered deadlock over the choice of a new premier. However, he retained his role as the interim leader while the country's three main parties battle out coalition talks after an inconclusive election. He handed over his resignation to President Michael Higgins after a tempestuous but inconclusive sitting of the Dáil Éireann, which met for the first time since the February 8 election. Also read: Sinn Fein surges as most popular party in Irish election It adjourned until March 5, giving party leaders three weeks to try to form a ruling coalition. "In accordance with the constitution, the government will continue to carry on their duties until successors have been appointed," a government statement said. Varadkar, the Sinn Fein leader, Mary Lou McDonald, the Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin, and the Green party leader, Eamon Ryan, were nominated by their parties but all, as expected, fell far short of an 80-seat majority in the 160-seat chamber. McDonald won the most 45 votes, with 84 against and 29 abstentions. Also read: The end for Varadkar is nigh Sinn Fein, which once served as the political wing of paramilitary the Irish Republican Army (IRA), became the second biggest party with 37 seats, breaking the historic duopoly of centre-right parties Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. However, the 33rd dáil ended in a stalemate. "The onus is on those who have made enormous promises of change to people during this election, who are entrusted with that mandate to bring a programme for government to the Dail for approval," Varadkar said in parliament before departing to resign. "If they cannot, they should say so and be upfront and honest about their failure, and the empty promises they made," he added. Sinn Fein has been historically associated with the IRA which fought British rule in Northern Ireland for decades until the late 1990s when a peace agreement largely ended violence that left more than 3,000 dead on all sides. It won the popular vote with 24.5 per cent of first preference ballots and picked up 14 seats by attracting voters with a campaign focusing on Ireland's housing shortage and health crisis.

PM Leo Varadkar resigns after Irish government enters stalemate

Brexit is a "game-changer" that could trigger a referendum on Irish unification within three years, the leader of the nationalist Sinn Finn party said on Saturday.

"This isn't a one-off event, this is a game-changer," Mary Lou McDonald told the Times newspaper.

"I think we have to prepare and I think London has to prepare" for the possibility of a referendum, adding that five years was a realistic timeframe, but that "it could happen in three years."

Her party, whose central policy is to take Northern Ireland out of British control, is flying high having won the popular vote in last week's general election.

"I am absolutely sure we were elected on a mandate to be in government," she told the Times, as talks to form an executive continued. "This wasn't a protest vote."

The party's journey from political pariah connected to republican terrorism to mainstream confirmed that Ireland was moving towards a reunification vote, she said.

"Irish unity now is discussed across the island in a way that I never recall in my lifetime," she told the British broadsheet.

"If you look northwards, the unionist majority has gone. There has been a generational turning of the wheel."

Britain's departure from the European Union, which was opposed in Northern Ireland, has "accelerated not just the conversation but the immediacy of recognising our collective needs and protecting ourselves," she added.

McDonald claimed the Brexit vote was driven by "the lowest common denominator of English nationalism", and that Ireland should "start making the preparations" for its own referendum.

Sinn Fein's bid to form a new government appeared to stall on Thursday after the leader of the centrist party it has been holding talks with said they had "irreconcilable differences".

With its 37 seats, the left-wing party long tarnished by past associations with nationalist paramilitaries broke the country's stranglehold of two-party politics.

London is already under pressure from Scottish nationalists, who want a new referendum on independence.

Brexit is a "game-changer" that could trigger a referendum on Irish unification within three years, the leader of the nationalist Sinn Finn party said on Saturday.

Brexit is a "game-changer" that could trigger a referendum on Irish unification within three years, the leader of the nationalist Sinn Finn party said on Saturday. "This isn't a one-off event, this is a game-changer," Mary Lou McDonald told the Times newspaper. "I think we have to prepare and I think London has to prepare" for the possibility of a referendum, adding that five years was a realistic timeframe, but that "it could happen in three years." Her party, whose central policy is to take Northern Ireland out of British control, is flying high having won the popular vote in last week's general election. "I am absolutely sure we were elected on a mandate to be in government," she told the Times, as talks to form an executive continued. "This wasn't a protest vote." The party's journey from political pariah connected to republican terrorism to mainstream confirmed that Ireland was moving towards a reunification vote, she said. "Irish unity now is discussed across the island in a way that I never recall in my lifetime," she told the British broadsheet. "If you look northwards, the unionist majority has gone. There has been a generational turning of the wheel." Britain's departure from the European Union, which was opposed in Northern Ireland, has "accelerated not just the conversation but the immediacy of recognising our collective needs and protecting ourselves," she added. McDonald claimed the Brexit vote was driven by "the lowest common denominator of English nationalism", and that Ireland should "start making the preparations" for its own referendum. Sinn Fein's bid to form a new government appeared to stall on Thursday after the leader of the centrist party it has been holding talks with said they had "irreconcilable differences". With its 37 seats, the left-wing party long tarnished by past associations with nationalist paramilitaries broke the country's stranglehold of two-party politics. London is already under pressure from Scottish nationalists, who want a new referendum on independence.

Irish republican leader sees unity vote in 3-5 years

Northern Ireland's first same-sex wedding took place February 11 after the government lifted the ban on same-sex marriage, marking the legalisation throughout the United Kingdom.

Northern Ireland welcome gay marriages

Storm Ciara disrupts life in Europe

The exit polls showed that Left-wing Irish nationalists Sinn Féin received support in an election on Saturday, tying it with Prime Minister Leo Varadkar's party but unlikely to emerge with the most seats

Ireland Exit polls: Sinn Fein surge leaves three main parties tied

Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time.

Opinion polls in recent days have pointed to the main opposition Fianna Fail winning the most seats and forming a multi-party coalition or minority government, with policies on the economy and post-Brexit broadly similar to those of Varadkar and his centre-right Fine Gael.

However, the left-wing Sinn Fein could win the popular vote if the vote reflects recent polls. On Monday, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) was polling at 25 per cent, ahead of Fianna Fail on 23 per cent and Fine Gael on 20 per cent.

<img alt="Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5c28cfae-9132-4966-8a6c-dd3cf795d5a8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_68.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

Sinn Fein has put forward too few candidates to capitalise, as the groundswell of support caught the party itself off guard after it sunk to 9 per cent at local elections last year. Analysts say it may only be able to gain a few seats and retain its position as the third-largest party in parliament.

Yet while both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael insist they will not govern with Sinn Fein, citing its IRA past and differing economic policies, such an outcome would demonstrate an appetite for change in decades-long centrist Ireland.

The IRA fought against British rule in Northern Ireland in a 30-year conflict in which some 3,600 people were killed before a 1998 peace deal. Sinn Fein's ultimate aim is to unify Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland, where it shares power.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/northern-ireland-abortion-laws-violate-womens-rights-un-body-33835">Northern Ireland abortion laws violate women's rights: UN body</a>

Polls close at 2200 GMT on Saturday and will be followed immediately by an exit poll giving the first indication of the outcome. Counting begins at 0900 GMT on Sunday with some results expected from the early afternoon.

"We just need a change in Ireland, it's very obvious," said Eilis Wall, a 40-year-old preschool owner who travelled 200 km (125 miles)to Dublin from the western county of Clare on Wednesday to join thousands of childcare workers calling for better state funding.

"Fine Gael has let us down and Fianna Fail were worse before that. I'm voting for change," she said, adding that meant switching to Sinn Fein from Fine Gael.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-leo-varadkar-to-hold-a-parliamentary-election-in-february-274252">Irish PM Leo Varadkar to hold a parliamentary election in February</a>

Wall said she plans to change careers away from childcare because she cannot save for a pension - the sort of economic worry affecting large swathes of voters who feel left behind amid a boom that has made Ireland's economy the fastest growing in the European Union for six straight years.

Varadkar had hoped the upturn his party has overseen since 2011 and his diplomatic successes so far on Brexit - helping prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland after Britain's departure from the EU - would extend his near three-year premiership.

<img alt="Varadkar" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3b73db71-3487-48b6-99e7-00425b674e63" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29_82.jpg" /> 
[Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (Courtesy: Reuters)]

The strategy appears to have fallen flat amid domestic issues such as healthcare and housing. The immediate beneficiary looks set to be Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, a 59-year-old former teacher whose party suffered an unprecedented electoral collapse nine years ago after the government he was a member of had to seek an EU/IMF bailout.

The election could be most pivotal for Sinn Fein, which has moved on from the long leadership of Gerry Adams and is run by a new generation of politicians led by Mary Lou McDonald. The party has struck a chord with younger voters on the defining election issue: the cost and availability of housing.

"We're seeing a version of what we've seen elsewhere, a growing constituency, particularly among younger voters and those who feel left behind that the neoliberal agenda has not worked for them," said David Farrell, professor of politics at University College Dublin. "The gains Sinn Fein are making are consistent with what we're seeing in other democracies."

Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time.

Irish voters look likely to dump Prime Minister Leo Varadkar from power in an election on Saturday amid a surge by Sinn Fein that could alter the political landscape, even though the nationalist party is unlikely to win a place in government this time. Opinion polls in recent days have pointed to the main opposition Fianna Fail winning the most seats and forming a multi-party coalition or minority government, with policies on the economy and post-Brexit broadly similar to those of Varadkar and his centre-right Fine Gael. However, the left-wing Sinn Fein could win the popular vote if the vote reflects recent polls. On Monday, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) was polling at 25 per cent, ahead of Fianna Fail on 23 per cent and Fine Gael on 20 per cent. [ Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald (Courtesy: Reuters) ] Sinn Fein has put forward too few candidates to capitalise, as the groundswell of support caught the party itself off guard after it sunk to 9 per cent at local elections last year. Analysts say it may only be able to gain a few seats and retain its position as the third-largest party in parliament. Yet while both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael insist they will not govern with Sinn Fein, citing its IRA past and differing economic policies, such an outcome would demonstrate an appetite for change in decades-long centrist Ireland. The IRA fought against British rule in Northern Ireland in a 30-year conflict in which some 3,600 people were killed before a 1998 peace deal. Sinn Fein's ultimate aim is to unify Ireland and British-run Northern Ireland, where it shares power. Also Read: Northern Ireland abortion laws violate women's rights: UN body Polls close at 2200 GMT on Saturday and will be followed immediately by an exit poll giving the first indication of the outcome. Counting begins at 0900 GMT on Sunday with some results expected from the early afternoon. "We just need a change in Ireland, it's very obvious," said Eilis Wall, a 40-year-old preschool owner who travelled 200 km (125 miles)to Dublin from the western county of Clare on Wednesday to join thousands of childcare workers calling for better state funding. "Fine Gael has let us down and Fianna Fail were worse before that. I'm voting for change," she said, adding that meant switching to Sinn Fein from Fine Gael. Also Read: Irish PM Leo Varadkar to hold a parliamentary election in February Wall said she plans to change careers away from childcare because she cannot save for a pension - the sort of economic worry affecting large swathes of voters who feel left behind amid a boom that has made Ireland's economy the fastest growing in the European Union for six straight years. Varadkar had hoped the upturn his party has overseen since 2011 and his diplomatic successes so far on Brexit - helping prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland after Britain's departure from the EU - would extend his near three-year premiership. [Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar (Courtesy: Reuters)] The strategy appears to have fallen flat amid domestic issues such as healthcare and housing. The immediate beneficiary looks set to be Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, a 59-year-old former teacher whose party suffered an unprecedented electoral collapse nine years ago after the government he was a member of had to seek an EU/IMF bailout. The election could be most pivotal for Sinn Fein, which has moved on from the long leadership of Gerry Adams and is run by a new generation of politicians led by Mary Lou McDonald. The party has struck a chord with younger voters on the defining election issue: the cost and availability of housing. "We're seeing a version of what we've seen elsewhere, a growing constituency, particularly among younger voters and those who feel left behind that the neoliberal agenda has not worked for them," said David Farrell, professor of politics at University College Dublin. "The gains Sinn Fein are making are consistent with what we're seeing in other democracies."

The end for Varadkar is nigh; Irish vote may give Sinn Fein a surging lead

Irish Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/irish-prime-minister-leo-varadkar-visits-family-in-india-270879">Leo Varadkar</a> will ask President Michael D. Higgins to dissolve parliament on Tuesday in order to hold a parliamentary election in February, the president's office said.

The Irish Times and national broadcaster RTE said Varadkar had told his ministers the ballot would be on February&nbsp;8.

The campaign is set to pit the 40-year-old prime minister's record on the fast-growing economy against struggling services, particularly in the health service and expensive housing market, in contest polls suggest is too close to call.

Varadkar's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/northern-irelands-dup-oppose-united-kingdom-governments-brexit-plan-256446">Fine Gael</a> and the fellow center-right <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-ireland-beat-britain-in-the-brexit-divorce-battle-179372">Fianna Fail</a> are closely matched in opinion polls, and some distance ahead of their other rivals, increasingly the likelihood that one of the two parties with similar policies on the economy and Brexit will lead another minority administration.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We’ve made some good progress since I’ve become Taoiseach. But I know it’s not enough, and we want to do much more. <a href="https://twitter.com/FineGael?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FineGael</a> has the team, the track record and the plans to build a future we can all look forward to.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LookForward?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LookForward</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tox3EBxHVm">pic.twitter.com/Tox3EBxHVm</a>
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) <a href="https://twitter.com/LeoVaradkar/status/1217053753095983104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Fine Gael has led a minority government since 2016 through a cooperation deal with Fianna Fail, their fiercest rivals, after neither party came close to getting enough votes to form a working coalition last time out.

Varadkar, 40, became the once-staunchly Catholic country's first gay premier in 2017, a year after the last election when his party hoped a generational shift could lead them to a third successive term for the first time.

Fine Gael and Fianna Fail both refuse to govern with the country's third-largest party <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-general-election-a-look-at-possible-outcomes-of-the-uk-vote-267764">Sinn Fein</a>, once the political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), meaning smaller parties such as the resurgent Greens could decide whether Varadkar or Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin become the next prime minister.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar will ask President Michael D. Higgins to dissolve parliament on Tuesday in order to hold a parliamentary election in February, the president's office said.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar will ask President Michael D. Higgins to dissolve parliament on Tuesday in order to hold a parliamentary election in February, the president's office said. The Irish Times and national broadcaster RTE said Varadkar had told his ministers the ballot would be on February 8. The campaign is set to pit the 40-year-old prime minister's record on the fast-growing economy against struggling services, particularly in the health service and expensive housing market, in contest polls suggest is too close to call. Varadkar's Fine Gael and the fellow center-right Fianna Fail are closely matched in opinion polls, and some distance ahead of their other rivals, increasingly the likelihood that one of the two parties with similar policies on the economy and Brexit will lead another minority administration. We’ve made some good progress since I’ve become Taoiseach. But I know it’s not enough, and we want to do much more. @FineGael has the team, the track record and the plans to build a future we can all look forward to.#LookForward pic.twitter.com/Tox3EBxHVm — Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) January 14, 2020 × Fine Gael has led a minority government since 2016 through a cooperation deal with Fianna Fail, their fiercest rivals, after neither party came close to getting enough votes to form a working coalition last time out. Varadkar, 40, became the once-staunchly Catholic country's first gay premier in 2017, a year after the last election when his party hoped a generational shift could lead them to a third successive term for the first time. Fine Gael and Fianna Fail both refuse to govern with the country's third-largest party Sinn Fein, once the political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), meaning smaller parties such as the resurgent Greens could decide whether Varadkar or Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin become the next prime minister.

Irish PM Leo Varadkar to hold a parliamentary election in February

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-at-mercy-of-politics-in-2020-experts-warn-273582">Brexit</a>.

The region's devolved assembly at Stormont collapsed in January 2017 over a scandal caused by the runaway costs of a renewable energy scheme.

Numerous rounds of increasingly acrimonious negotiations failed to reach a solution and basic services were left unattended.

Pro-Irish republicans and pro-British unionists were pushed into an&nbsp;agreement on Friday by the threat of a new regional election if they missed a looming deadline on Monday.

The UK government in London also promised a large cash infusion into the tiny but strategically vital region if the republican <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-general-election-a-look-at-possible-outcomes-of-the-uk-vote-267764">Sinn Fein</a> and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-britain-heads-to-polls-a-glance-at-last-three-elections-267767">Democratic Unionist Party</a> (DUP) came to terms.

"Sinn Fein has taken the decision to re-enter the power-sharing institution and nominate ministers to the power-sharing executive," party leader Mary Lou McDonald told reporters.

"We're ready to do business," she said.

DUP leader Arlene Foster earlier called the draft power-sharing agreement "fair and balanced".

"We are ready to go back into the assembly," Foster said.

The executive will meet on Saturday afternoon to select new ministers and assign various portfolios

The Belfast Telegraph newspaper reported that the DUP's Foster would be reinstalled as first minister and effective head of the government.

Sources told the paper that top Sinn Fein member Michelle O'Neill&nbsp;would serve as her deputy in a new executive that features several prominent women.

European Commission President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-years-of-arguments-british-mps-set-to-finally-seal-brexit-deal-273199">Ursula von der Leyen</a> hailed the agreement&nbsp;as "an extremely positive development for the people of Northern Ireland". &nbsp;

Friday's deal came with thousands of the region's healthcare workers on strike.

The latest talks were launched in the wake of a December 12 UK general election that saw both the DUP and Sinn Fein lose votes to smaller groups.

Analysts attributed the main parties' losses to voter frustration at their inability to reach a compromise that could let a government in Belfast take care of the region's daily needs.

A 1998 peace accord that ended three decades of violence over British rule of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-scrutinise-brexit-deal-as-january-31-deadline-nears-272604">Northern Ireland</a> in which thousands died requires the two main parties to share power.

The lack of an executive is especially fraught with danger for the region because of historic changes to its trade rules being imposed by Britain's pending withdrawal from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-warns-iran-nuclear-deal-may-collapse-273585">European Union</a>.

Northern Ireland's border with the Republic of Ireland to the south provides the only UK-EU land frontier.

UK Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intelligence-evidence-indicates-boeing-airliner-was-shot-down-by-iranian-surface-to-air-missile-trudeau-273282">Boris Johnson's</a> EU withdrawal agreement puts pressure on local authorities to maintain frictionless trade while preserving an open border on the island of Ireland.

Negotiations to revive Stormont have been stuck on disagreements over the use of the Irish language and a mechanism giving minority governments veto rights.

The draft requires the executive "to provide official recognition of the status of the Irish language in Northern Ireland" and "respect the freedom of all persons to choose, affirm, maintain and develop their national and cultural identity".

It also eliminates the veto mechanism and compels the parties to build consensus on issues of dispute.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/prince-harry-and-meghan-markles-possible-move-might-affect-canadian-taxpayers-273290">UK government</a> additionally promises to deliver a new financial package for the region that allows outstanding public sector salaries to be paid.

Downing Street called the draft deal "a balanced package" and that the precise amount of new funding would be spelt out when the agreement was reached.

"History is being made today," Irish Foreign Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-british-take-it-or-leave-it-approach-amounts-to-no-deal-254585">Simon Coveney</a> after both sides confirmed their support for the devolved government.

It can help "show that politics in Northern Ireland can be a force for good and brings people together," he said.

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of Brexit.

Northern Ireland's government will reopen for the first time in three years on Saturday after rival parties rallied around a new power-sharing agreement that can help the volatile province handle the pressures of Brexit. The region's devolved assembly at Stormont collapsed in January 2017 over a scandal caused by the runaway costs of a renewable energy scheme. Numerous rounds of increasingly acrimonious negotiations failed to reach a solution and basic services were left unattended. Pro-Irish republicans and pro-British unionists were pushed into an agreement on Friday by the threat of a new regional election if they missed a looming deadline on Monday. The UK government in London also promised a large cash infusion into the tiny but strategically vital region if the republican Sinn Fein and the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) came to terms. "Sinn Fein has taken the decision to re-enter the power-sharing institution and nominate ministers to the power-sharing executive," party leader Mary Lou McDonald told reporters. "We're ready to do business," she said. DUP leader Arlene Foster earlier called the draft power-sharing agreement "fair and balanced". "We are ready to go back into the assembly," Foster said. The executive will meet on Saturday afternoon to select new ministers and assign various portfolios The Belfast Telegraph newspaper reported that the DUP's Foster would be reinstalled as first minister and effective head of the government. Sources told the paper that top Sinn Fein member Michelle O'Neill would serve as her deputy in a new executive that features several prominent women. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the agreement as "an extremely positive development for the people of Northern Ireland". Friday's deal came with thousands of the region's healthcare workers on strike. The latest talks were launched in the wake of a December 12 UK general election that saw both the DUP and Sinn Fein lose votes to smaller groups. Analysts attributed the main parties' losses to voter frustration at their inability to reach a compromise that could let a government in Belfast take care of the region's daily needs. A 1998 peace accord that ended three decades of violence over British rule of Northern Ireland in which thousands died requires the two main parties to share power. The lack of an executive is especially fraught with danger for the region because of historic changes to its trade rules being imposed by Britain's pending withdrawal from the European Union. Northern Ireland's border with the Republic of Ireland to the south provides the only UK-EU land frontier. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's EU withdrawal agreement puts pressure on local authorities to maintain frictionless trade while preserving an open border on the island of Ireland. Negotiations to revive Stormont have been stuck on disagreements over the use of the Irish language and a mechanism giving minority governments veto rights. The draft requires the executive "to provide official recognition of the status of the Irish language in Northern Ireland" and "respect the freedom of all persons to choose, affirm, maintain and develop their national and cultural identity". It also eliminates the veto mechanism and compels the parties to build consensus on issues of dispute. The UK government additionally promises to deliver a new financial package for the region that allows outstanding public sector salaries to be paid. Downing Street called the draft deal "a balanced package" and that the precise amount of new funding would be spelt out when the agreement was reached. "History is being made today," Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney after both sides confirmed their support for the devolved government. It can help "show that politics in Northern Ireland can be a force for good and brings people together," he said.

Northern Ireland government returns after three-year suspension

Ireland's PM Leo Varadkar visit to his ancestral village, Konkan in Maharashtra must have been nothing less than a very 'precious moment'.

'Special moment' for Ireland's Prime Minister as he visits his ancestral village in India

Scotland will face Israel in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wales-qualifies-for-euro-2020-belgium-netherlands-germany-secure-victories-in-final-qualifying-clash-263291">Euro 2020 playoff</a> semi-finals at Hampden Park, while Ireland visit Slovakia following a draw on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland.

Steve Clarke's Scotland were assured a home match because they topped their group in the inaugural Nations League last year, and victory at Hampden Park on March 26 will see them visit either Norway or Serbia in the Path C playoff final.

"We have to make sure everyone is available come March and do what we can to get the country (qualified)," Clarke told Sky Sports.

"We are one of the host nations and we don't want to be a host nation watching on from the sidelines.

"I never get too carried away about who we're going to get. We will be familiar with Israel because we played them in the Nations League group stage, and hopefully we can get a positive outcome."

Scotland, who are aiming to reach their first major finals in 22 years, will join <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harry-kane-treble-as-england-demolish-montenegro-to-book-euro-2020-spot-262238">England in Group D</a> if they qualify for the finals next year.

Ireland, who already knew their opponents ahead of Friday's draw, could visit the winner of the match between Bosnia and Northern Ireland in the Path B final.

Iceland, who reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, will host Romania in the Path A semi-final. The winner will need to beat Bulgaria or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/croatia-thump-hungary-to-stay-on-course-slovakia-hold-wales-255125">Hungary</a> to secure progress to the main draw.

The four playoff winners will then join the 20 teams who have already qualified for the Euro 2020 finals to be held from June 12 to July 12.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/euro-2020-qualifiers-with-20-out-of-24-berths-filled-england-france-italy-top-their-groups-263461">In pictures:&nbsp;Euro 2020 Qualifiers: List of 20 contenders for Europe's top prize</a>

For the first time, the Euro finals will be staged in 12 cities in 12 countries across Europe rather than the traditional system of one or two host nations.

The main draw for the competition will be held in Bucharest on November&nbsp;30, with each host nation to play in the group assigned to their stadium.

Denmark and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hazard-brothers-shine-as-belgium-thrash-russia-in-euro-qualifiers-262650">Russia</a>, who are both host nations, have qualified for the finals and are paired in Group B.

Following a draw, it was decided that Denmark will play all their group stage matches in Copenhagen, including their meeting with Russia.

Russia will play the other two matches in St Petersburg.

Scotland will face Israel in the Euro 2020 playoff semi-finals at Hampden Park, while Ireland visit Slovakia following a draw on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland.

Scotland will face Israel in the Euro 2020 playoff semi-finals at Hampden Park, while Ireland visit Slovakia following a draw on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland. Steve Clarke's Scotland were assured a home match because they topped their group in the inaugural Nations League last year, and victory at Hampden Park on March 26 will see them visit either Norway or Serbia in the Path C playoff final. "We have to make sure everyone is available come March and do what we can to get the country (qualified)," Clarke told Sky Sports. "We are one of the host nations and we don't want to be a host nation watching on from the sidelines. "I never get too carried away about who we're going to get. We will be familiar with Israel because we played them in the Nations League group stage, and hopefully we can get a positive outcome." Scotland, who are aiming to reach their first major finals in 22 years, will join England in Group D if they qualify for the finals next year. Ireland, who already knew their opponents ahead of Friday's draw, could visit the winner of the match between Bosnia and Northern Ireland in the Path B final. Iceland, who reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, will host Romania in the Path A semi-final. The winner will need to beat Bulgaria or Hungary to secure progress to the main draw. The four playoff winners will then join the 20 teams who have already qualified for the Euro 2020 finals to be held from June 12 to July 12. In pictures: Euro 2020 Qualifiers: List of 20 contenders for Europe's top prize For the first time, the Euro finals will be staged in 12 cities in 12 countries across Europe rather than the traditional system of one or two host nations. The main draw for the competition will be held in Bucharest on November 30, with each host nation to play in the group assigned to their stadium. Denmark and Russia, who are both host nations, have qualified for the finals and are paired in Group B. Following a draw, it was decided that Denmark will play all their group stage matches in Copenhagen, including their meeting with Russia. Russia will play the other two matches in St Petersburg.

Scotland v Israel, Slovakia v Ireland in Euro 2020 playoff semis

Denmark were pushed to the limit but got the point they needed to seal a place at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/italy-put-nine-past-armenia-to-finish-with-perfect-record-263045">Euro 2020</a> as Group D runners-up with a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Ireland on Monday that consigned the hosts to the playoffs for the third successive tournament.

A 73rd minute Martin Braithwaite goal set the 1992 European champions on their way to celebrating qualification in Dublin for the second tournament in a row after a 5-1 win almost two years ago to the day had sent them to last year's World Cup.

But they had to survive a late onslaught when Ireland, the better side throughout, scored only their seventh goal in eight qualifiers when Matt Doherty headed home after 85 minutes though they could not get the win they needed to qualify automatically.

"We were terrible, we just couldn't get going... But I don't really care right now," Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel said after celebrating with the fans they will play in front of next year as Copenhagen, like Dublin, is among the host cities.

"It means the world because we're a very small nation and the chance of us playing home games in a major tournament are so small. To be able to give our fans that kind of experience is amazing, it's unique," he added on Sky Sports.

While no other team in contention across the 10 groups had hit the net as infrequently, Ireland possessed one of the best defensive records, so chances were unsurprisingly few and far between in the first half.

It took 34 minutes for a shot on target and when the ball fell fortuitously to an open Conor Hourihane on the edge of the Denmark box, the Aston Villa midfielder should have done better than stroke the ball straight at Schmeichel.

Denmark, who lost midfielder Thomas Delaney and striker Andreas Cornelius to injuries in the first 30 minutes, were a shadow of the side that ran riot in Dublin two years earlier but their opponents were far more disciplined this time.

Having drawn four of the other five meetings with Ireland in the last two years, the unbeaten Danes appeared happy to settle for another stalemate until Braithwaite ghosted in behind Doherty to nudge his side into the lead against the run of play.

The otherwise impressive Doherty's first international goal set up a grandstand finish but that was all the home side could muster as the Danes finished three points ahead of the Irish in second place to join group winners Switzerland in the finals.

The Swiss beat Gibraltar 6-1 to clinch top spot by a point.

Ireland must wait until the playoffs in March to see if they can follow suit via a route they have successfully navigated in the last two European Championships.

"I said before the game if the players give me everything and leave it on the pitch, I've got to take what happens and I think they left everything and a bit more to be quite honest," Ireland manager Mick McCarthy told Irish broadcaster RTE.

"I've just said to the lads, play like that (in the playoff) and we'll win it."

Denmark were pushed to the limit but got the point they needed to seal a place at Euro 2020 as Group D runners-up with a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Ireland on Monday that consigned the hosts to the playoffs for the third successive tournament.

Denmark were pushed to the limit but got the point they needed to seal a place at Euro 2020 as Group D runners-up with a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Ireland on Monday that consigned the hosts to the playoffs for the third successive tournament. A 73rd minute Martin Braithwaite goal set the 1992 European champions on their way to celebrating qualification in Dublin for the second tournament in a row after a 5-1 win almost two years ago to the day had sent them to last year's World Cup. But they had to survive a late onslaught when Ireland, the better side throughout, scored only their seventh goal in eight qualifiers when Matt Doherty headed home after 85 minutes though they could not get the win they needed to qualify automatically. "We were terrible, we just couldn't get going... But I don't really care right now," Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel said after celebrating with the fans they will play in front of next year as Copenhagen, like Dublin, is among the host cities. "It means the world because we're a very small nation and the chance of us playing home games in a major tournament are so small. To be able to give our fans that kind of experience is amazing, it's unique," he added on Sky Sports. While no other team in contention across the 10 groups had hit the net as infrequently, Ireland possessed one of the best defensive records, so chances were unsurprisingly few and far between in the first half. It took 34 minutes for a shot on target and when the ball fell fortuitously to an open Conor Hourihane on the edge of the Denmark box, the Aston Villa midfielder should have done better than stroke the ball straight at Schmeichel. Denmark, who lost midfielder Thomas Delaney and striker Andreas Cornelius to injuries in the first 30 minutes, were a shadow of the side that ran riot in Dublin two years earlier but their opponents were far more disciplined this time. Having drawn four of the other five meetings with Ireland in the last two years, the unbeaten Danes appeared happy to settle for another stalemate until Braithwaite ghosted in behind Doherty to nudge his side into the lead against the run of play. The otherwise impressive Doherty's first international goal set up a grandstand finish but that was all the home side could muster as the Danes finished three points ahead of the Irish in second place to join group winners Switzerland in the finals. The Swiss beat Gibraltar 6-1 to clinch top spot by a point. Ireland must wait until the playoffs in March to see if they can follow suit via a route they have successfully navigated in the last two European Championships. "I said before the game if the players give me everything and leave it on the pitch, I've got to take what happens and I think they left everything and a bit more to be quite honest," Ireland manager Mick McCarthy told Irish broadcaster RTE. "I've just said to the lads, play like that (in the playoff) and we'll win it."

Denmark seal Euro 2020 place with Ireland draw

A group of Northern Irish lawmakers will return to their parliament on Monday in a last-minute protest at the liberalisation of abortion laws, set to come into force after being decided by London for the suspended Belfast executive.

The regional government in Belfast collapsed in January 2017 after a scandal over a renewable heating scheme split the power-sharing executive, amid a breakdown in trust.

Abortion is currently illegal in the province, except when the mother's life is in danger.

With the Northern Ireland Assembly not sitting, the British government in July passed legislation forcing the province's laws on abortion and same-sex marriage, which is also illegal, into line with those in the rest of the UK, unless the executive returns by Monday.

However, the return of around 30 of the 90 Northern Ireland Assembly members specifically to discuss abortion law is expected to be symbolic.

The majority of those appearing at Stormont will be members of the conservative Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), led by Arlene Foster.

But without cross-party support, a first minister and deputy first minister cannot be elected, the assembly's first task, meaning the law cannot be blocked.

Michelle O'Neill, the left-wing Sinn Fein party's leader in Northern Ireland, described the event as "stunt politics".

"They're going to discuss issues which they can do nothing about.&nbsp; For me, that's all about being dishonest with the public," she said Friday.

"We want to be in the assembly but we need to get the issues resolved that brought the assembly down."

Trevor Lunn, an assembly member for the centrist cross-community Alliance party called the bid to recall the assembly "showboating".

"It appears those wanting to go back on Monday are only doing so to try and deny LGBTQ people and women the rights guaranteed to them in the rest of the UK," he said last week.

Celebrations are due in the province to herald the changes in the law.

Campaign group Love Equality said couples and supporters will gather in Belfast ahead of Monday's midnight deadline.

A mock-wedding event with "a buffet reception, speeches and photo opportunities featuring a wedding cake, flowers and balloons" will take place at lunchtime, the group said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Women's Resource and Development Agency campaign group is also organising a protest at Stormont against the bid to block the new legislation.

Pro-life group Both Lives Matter said 31 assembly members have signed the recall petition allowing parliament to sit on Monday.

Foster told the BBC the move will give deputies the opportunity to express opposition to the law changes.

"Hopefully we will be able to debate the issue on Monday," she said.

A group of Northern Irish lawmakers will return to their parliament on Monday in a last-minute protest at the liberalisation of abortion laws, set to come into force after being decided by London for the suspended Belfast executive.

A group of Northern Irish lawmakers will return to their parliament on Monday in a last-minute protest at the liberalisation of abortion laws, set to come into force after being decided by London for the suspended Belfast executive. The regional government in Belfast collapsed in January 2017 after a scandal over a renewable heating scheme split the power-sharing executive, amid a breakdown in trust. Abortion is currently illegal in the province, except when the mother's life is in danger. With the Northern Ireland Assembly not sitting, the British government in July passed legislation forcing the province's laws on abortion and same-sex marriage, which is also illegal, into line with those in the rest of the UK, unless the executive returns by Monday. However, the return of around 30 of the 90 Northern Ireland Assembly members specifically to discuss abortion law is expected to be symbolic. The majority of those appearing at Stormont will be members of the conservative Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), led by Arlene Foster. But without cross-party support, a first minister and deputy first minister cannot be elected, the assembly's first task, meaning the law cannot be blocked. Michelle O'Neill, the left-wing Sinn Fein party's leader in Northern Ireland, described the event as "stunt politics". "They're going to discuss issues which they can do nothing about. For me, that's all about being dishonest with the public," she said Friday. "We want to be in the assembly but we need to get the issues resolved that brought the assembly down." Trevor Lunn, an assembly member for the centrist cross-community Alliance party called the bid to recall the assembly "showboating". "It appears those wanting to go back on Monday are only doing so to try and deny LGBTQ people and women the rights guaranteed to them in the rest of the UK," he said last week. Celebrations are due in the province to herald the changes in the law. Campaign group Love Equality said couples and supporters will gather in Belfast ahead of Monday's midnight deadline. A mock-wedding event with "a buffet reception, speeches and photo opportunities featuring a wedding cake, flowers and balloons" will take place at lunchtime, the group said in a statement. Meanwhile, the Women's Resource and Development Agency campaign group is also organising a protest at Stormont against the bid to block the new legislation. Pro-life group Both Lives Matter said 31 assembly members have signed the recall petition allowing parliament to sit on Monday. Foster told the BBC the move will give deputies the opportunity to express opposition to the law changes. "Hopefully we will be able to debate the issue on Monday," she said.

Northern Irish lawmakers sit to oppose abortion reform

There are still issues to be resolved in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/united-kingdom-hiring-falls-by-most-in-over-four-years-as-brexit-nears-256066">Brexit negotiations</a>, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday, as European Union sources said the eleventh-hour talks with London were at a standstill.

"There is a pathway to a possible deal but there are many issues that still need to be fully resolved," Varadkar said in a speech.

He said he had spoken to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier in the day.

"I do think we are making progress but there are issues yet to be resolved and hopefully that can be done today."

"But if it's not, there is still more time. October 31 is still a few weeks away and there is the possibility of an additional summit before that if we need one ... Although time is running short, I am confident that (Ireland's) objectives can be met."

Shortly before Varadkar spoke, EU sources said the talks had reached a "standstill" over a future trade deal between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-unions-brexit-minister-says-united-kingdoms-proposals-fall-short-need-agreement-by-end-of-day-256061">Britain and the bloc</a>, as well as the rejection by Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party of customs solutions tentatively agreed by negotiators.

Britain's Brexit minister Steve Barclay said he would not consider accepting a delay to Britain's EU exit beyond October&nbsp;31, even if it was only used to tie up the necessary legal requirements of an agreement.

"No, I think it is important that we leave on the&nbsp;October 31," Barclay told a British parliamentary committee.

Reports that the last-ditch talks <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/london-retains-global-finance-throne-amid-brexit-chaos-256018">to seal a Brexit deal</a>, to be approved by a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday and Friday before Britain is due out on October 31, hit sterling and stocks in London.

There are still issues to be resolved in Brexit negotiations, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday, as European Union sources said the eleventh-hour talks with London were at a standstill.

There are still issues to be resolved in Brexit negotiations, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Wednesday, as European Union sources said the eleventh-hour talks with London were at a standstill. "There is a pathway to a possible deal but there are many issues that still need to be fully resolved," Varadkar said in a speech. He said he had spoken to British Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier in the day. "I do think we are making progress but there are issues yet to be resolved and hopefully that can be done today." "But if it's not, there is still more time. October 31 is still a few weeks away and there is the possibility of an additional summit before that if we need one ... Although time is running short, I am confident that (Ireland's) objectives can be met." Shortly before Varadkar spoke, EU sources said the talks had reached a "standstill" over a future trade deal between Britain and the bloc, as well as the rejection by Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party of customs solutions tentatively agreed by negotiators. Britain's Brexit minister Steve Barclay said he would not consider accepting a delay to Britain's EU exit beyond October 31, even if it was only used to tie up the necessary legal requirements of an agreement. "No, I think it is important that we leave on the October 31," Barclay told a British parliamentary committee. Reports that the last-ditch talks to seal a Brexit deal, to be approved by a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on Thursday and Friday before Britain is due out on October 31, hit sterling and stocks in London.

Irish Prime Minister says there are outstanding Brexit issues, may need more time

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-and-uk-bid-to-save-brexit-talks-before-key-summit-255299">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson played down hopes of a breakthrough in his last-ditch bid to strike an amicable divorce deal with the European Union</a>.

Negotiators went behind closed doors for intensive talks in Brussels after Johnson outlined a new set of proposals to Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Thursday.

They have very little time left to succeed.

EU leaders will meet on Thursday and Friday for a summit held under the pressures of the October 31 Brexit deadline just two weeks away.

The 27 would ideally like to have a full proposal to vote on by then.

But the sides are trying to achieve in a few days what they had failed to in the more than three years since Britons first voted to leave the European Union after nearly 50 years.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel will discuss the available options with French President Emmanuel Macron late Sunday.

European officials said the bloc's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier will also brief EU ambassadors on the state of play on Sunday evening.

Downing Street said Johnson told his cabinet to brace for a cliff-hanger finish in the coming days.

Johnson reiterated "that a pathway to a deal could be seen but that there is still a significant amount of work to get there and we must remain prepared to leave on October 31," a Downing Street spokesman said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/make-significant-concessions-if-you-want-brexit-deal-eu-to-british-pm-johnson-254948">Outgoing EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker said British politics were getting more difficult to decipher</a> than the riddle of an "Egyptian sphinx".

"If the British ask for more time, which they would probably will not, it would in my view be historic&nbsp;nonsense to refuse them," Juncker told Austria's Kurier newspaper.

Johnson rose to power in July on a promise not to extend Brexit for the third time -&nbsp;even for a few weeks.

Breaking that pledge could come back to haunt him in an early general election that most predict for the coming months.

Johnson is under parliamentary orders to seek an extension until January 31 of next year if no deal emerges by Saturday.

He has promised to both follow the law and get Britain out by October 31 -&nbsp;a contradiction that might end up being settled in court.

Watch: Typhoon Hagibis: 19 killed, at least 70 injured

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/typhoon-hagibis-19-killed-at-least-70-injured-255666/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Parliamentary pressure

Ireland's Varadkar hinted on Thursday that he could support the talks running on up to the October 31 deadline if a deal seemed within reach.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-ready-to-make-major-concession-on-brexit-deal-the-times-newspaper-254717">The few details that have leaked out suggest a compromise around the contentious Irish border issue</a>&nbsp;with Britain's Northern Ireland partially aligned with EU customs rules.

Whether such a fudge suits both Brussels and the more ardent Brexit backers in parliament who must still approve a deal should become clearer by the end of the week.

Britain will only avoid a chaotic breakup with its closest trading partners if the agreement is also passed by the UK parliament -&nbsp;something it has failed to do three times.

Johnson heads a minority government and must rely on the full backing of not only his own fractured Conservatives but also Northern Ireland's small Democratic Unionist Party.

DUP's parliamentary leader&nbsp;Nigel Dodds warned Johnson that "Northern Ireland must remain entirely in the customs union of the United Kingdom" and not the EU.

"And Boris Johnson knows it very well," Dodds told Italy's La Repubblica newspaper.

The comments do not necessarily rule out DUP support.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-to-meet-eu-negotiator-thursday-london-254756">UK media are presenting Johnson's mooted compromise as a "double customs"</a> plan that could be interpreted to mean that Northern Ireland is leaving EU rules.

Yet details are still under discussion and the prime minister's allies are urging lawmakers to give the British leader a chance.

Main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn signalled Sunday that he would wait for the outcome of the EU summit before trying to force an early election.

But he added that there there was "a strong possibility" that those polls would come before the Christmas break.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson played down hopes of a breakthrough in his last-ditch bid to strike an amicable divorce deal with the European Union. Negotiators went behind closed doors for intensive talks in Brussels after Johnson outlined a new set of proposals to Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Thursday.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson played down hopes of a breakthrough in his last-ditch bid to strike an amicable divorce deal with the European Union. Negotiators went behind closed doors for intensive talks in Brussels after Johnson outlined a new set of proposals to Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar on Thursday. They have very little time left to succeed. EU leaders will meet on Thursday and Friday for a summit held under the pressures of the October 31 Brexit deadline just two weeks away. The 27 would ideally like to have a full proposal to vote on by then. But the sides are trying to achieve in a few days what they had failed to in the more than three years since Britons first voted to leave the European Union after nearly 50 years. German Chancellor Angela Merkel will discuss the available options with French President Emmanuel Macron late Sunday. European officials said the bloc's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier will also brief EU ambassadors on the state of play on Sunday evening. Downing Street said Johnson told his cabinet to brace for a cliff-hanger finish in the coming days. Johnson reiterated "that a pathway to a deal could be seen but that there is still a significant amount of work to get there and we must remain prepared to leave on October 31," a Downing Street spokesman said. Outgoing EU chief Jean-Claude Juncker said British politics were getting more difficult to decipher than the riddle of an "Egyptian sphinx". "If the British ask for more time, which they would probably will not, it would in my view be historic nonsense to refuse them," Juncker told Austria's Kurier newspaper. Johnson rose to power in July on a promise not to extend Brexit for the third time - even for a few weeks. Breaking that pledge could come back to haunt him in an early general election that most predict for the coming months. Johnson is under parliamentary orders to seek an extension until January 31 of next year if no deal emerges by Saturday. He has promised to both follow the law and get Britain out by October 31 - a contradiction that might end up being settled in court. Watch: Typhoon Hagibis: 19 killed, at least 70 injured Parliamentary pressure Ireland's Varadkar hinted on Thursday that he could support the talks running on up to the October 31 deadline if a deal seemed within reach. The few details that have leaked out suggest a compromise around the contentious Irish border issue with Britain's Northern Ireland partially aligned with EU customs rules. Whether such a fudge suits both Brussels and the more ardent Brexit backers in parliament who must still approve a deal should become clearer by the end of the week. Britain will only avoid a chaotic breakup with its closest trading partners if the agreement is also passed by the UK parliament - something it has failed to do three times. Johnson heads a minority government and must rely on the full backing of not only his own fractured Conservatives but also Northern Ireland's small Democratic Unionist Party. DUP's parliamentary leader Nigel Dodds warned Johnson that "Northern Ireland must remain entirely in the customs union of the United Kingdom" and not the EU. "And Boris Johnson knows it very well," Dodds told Italy's La Repubblica newspaper. The comments do not necessarily rule out DUP support. UK media are presenting Johnson's mooted compromise as a "double customs" plan that could be interpreted to mean that Northern Ireland is leaving EU rules. Yet details are still under discussion and the prime minister's allies are urging lawmakers to give the British leader a chance. Main opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn signalled Sunday that he would wait for the outcome of the EU summit before trying to force an early election. But he added that there there was "a strong possibility" that those polls would come before the Christmas break.

Britain's Johnson plays down Brexit breakthrough hopes

The European Union's two most powerful leaders, Germany's Angela Merkel and France's Emmanuel Macron, will meet just days <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-brexit-minister-to-meet-eu-negotiator-thursday-london-254756">before a crunch Brexit summit next week</a> which Britain says is the last chance to secure an orderly departure from the bloc.

As the clock ticks down to the October 31 departure date, Brexit descended into a public row between London and Brussels this week as both sides position for another delay followed by an election or an acrimonious divorce.

After a Downing Street source said a Brexit deal was essentially impossible because German Chancellor Merkel had made unacceptable demands, the EU accused Johnson of playing a "stupid blame game".&nbsp;

Macron will meet Merkel at the Elysee Palace this coming Sunday to discuss European affairs ahead of the October&nbsp;17-18 EU summit and preparations for a Franco-German summit on October&nbsp;16, Macron's office said.

EU diplomats, though, are sceptical about the chances of a deal. Most expect Johnson to be forced to accept a delay to Brexit - a step that could ultimately lead to either a disorderly exit or the reversal of the entire Brexit endeavour.

"There will be no rabbit-out-of-the-hat solutions," one EU official told Reuters. "There will be more talks and more political contacts. But, for the time being, there is no breakthrough to be reported."

Johnson has repeatedly cast the EU summit next week as the last chance for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irish-pm-says-very-difficult-to-secure-brexit-deal-by-next-week-254692">EU to strike a deal or face the disruption of a no-deal Brexit</a> that would divide the West, threaten the unity of the United Kingdom and roil financial markets.

A week ago, he proposed a possible solution to ensure the border between the British-ruled province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland does not become a backdoor into the EU's single market and customs union.

The EU's cool reaction to his proposals indicates that, short of an unexpected last-minute breakthrough, Johnson will have to decide whether to accept another delay or to go for a no-deal Brexit and get around a law demanding the&nbsp;extension.

Johnson's Brexit

The EU's executive agreed on Wednesday with the assessment of the bloc's Brexit negotiator that the British proposals did "not represent a satisfactory solution", the bloc's top budget official, Guenther Oettinger, said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-ready-to-make-major-concession-on-brexit-deal-the-times-newspaper-254717">In the Brexit maelstrom where newspaper reports and contradictory tweets can send sterling into gyrations</a>, EU officials denied a report in The Times that the bloc was preparing a major concession to Britain to secure a Brexit deal.

"Unfortunately, no bold new offer is coming from the EU side at this stage," an EU official said while stressing that the bloc was not closing the door to more talks with Britain.

Britain's Brexit minister Steve Barclay was due to have lunch with EU chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, on Thursday "to check if there is any more flexibility on the UK side to head for a deal. For now, there seems to be none," a diplomat said.

Behind the rhetoric, the Brexit finale will ultimately be decided by Merkel, Macron, Johnson, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar - all of whom say they want an orderly exit.

Johnson and Varadkar could meet later this week.

With chances of a deal receding, the focus was turning back to British domestic politics where Johnson is under intense pressure from opponents to delay Brexit.

Anti-Brexit campaigners claimed victory after Scotland's highest court decided on Wednesday to wait before ruling whether to force Johnson to seek a delay to Britain's EU divorce date if he has not struck a deal in the next ten days.

British government lawyers had told the court that Johnson accepted that he must carry out the requirements of the law demanding a delay, even though he has publicly rejected asking for any further extension.

The European Union's two most powerful leaders, Germany's Angela Merkel and France's Emmanuel Macron, will meet just days before a crunch Brexit summit next week which Britain says is the last chance to secure an orderly departure from the bloc.

The European Union's two most powerful leaders, Germany's Angela Merkel and France's Emmanuel Macron, will meet just days before a crunch Brexit summit next week which Britain says is the last chance to secure an orderly departure from the bloc. As the clock ticks down to the October 31 departure date, Brexit descended into a public row between London and Brussels this week as both sides position for another delay followed by an election or an acrimonious divorce. After a Downing Street source said a Brexit deal was essentially impossible because German Chancellor Merkel had made unacceptable demands, the EU accused Johnson of playing a "stupid blame game". Macron will meet Merkel at the Elysee Palace this coming Sunday to discuss European affairs ahead of the October 17-18 EU summit and preparations for a Franco-German summit on October 16, Macron's office said. EU diplomats, though, are sceptical about the chances of a deal. Most expect Johnson to be forced to accept a delay to Brexit - a step that could ultimately lead to either a disorderly exit or the reversal of the entire Brexit endeavour. "There will be no rabbit-out-of-the-hat solutions," one EU official told Reuters. "There will be more talks and more political contacts. But, for the time being, there is no breakthrough to be reported." Johnson has repeatedly cast the EU summit next week as the last chance for the EU to strike a deal or face the disruption of a no-deal Brexit that would divide the West, threaten the unity of the United Kingdom and roil financial markets. A week ago, he proposed a possible solution to ensure the border between the British-ruled province of Northern Ireland and EU member Ireland does not become a backdoor into the EU's single market and customs union. The EU's cool reaction to his proposals indicates that, short of an unexpected last-minute breakthrough, Johnson will have to decide whether to accept another delay or to go for a no-deal Brexit and get around a law demanding the extension. Johnson's Brexit The EU's executive agreed on Wednesday with the assessment of the bloc's Brexit negotiator that the British proposals did "not represent a satisfactory solution", the bloc's top budget official, Guenther Oettinger, said. In the Brexit maelstrom where newspaper reports and contradictory tweets can send sterling into gyrations, EU officials denied a report in The Times that the bloc was preparing a major concession to Britain to secure a Brexit deal. "Unfortunately, no bold new offer is coming from the EU side at this stage," an EU official said while stressing that the bloc was not closing the door to more talks with Britain. Britain's Brexit minister Steve Barclay was due to have lunch with EU chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier, on Thursday "to check if there is any more flexibility on the UK side to head for a deal. For now, there seems to be none," a diplomat said. Behind the rhetoric, the Brexit finale will ultimately be decided by Merkel, Macron, Johnson, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar - all of whom say they want an orderly exit. Johnson and Varadkar could meet later this week. With chances of a deal receding, the focus was turning back to British domestic politics where Johnson is under intense pressure from opponents to delay Brexit. Anti-Brexit campaigners claimed victory after Scotland's highest court decided on Wednesday to wait before ruling whether to force Johnson to seek a delay to Britain's EU divorce date if he has not struck a deal in the next ten days. British government lawyers had told the court that Johnson accepted that he must carry out the requirements of the law demanding a delay, even though he has publicly rejected asking for any further extension.

Germany's Merkel and France's Macron to meet ahead of crunch Brexit summit

It will be&nbsp;very&nbsp;difficult&nbsp;to&nbsp;secure&nbsp;a&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;agreement by&nbsp;next&nbsp;week&nbsp;with big gaps remaining in the British position,&nbsp;Irish&nbsp;Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Tuesday following a phone call with his British counterpart, Boris Johnson.

"I'll certainly work until the&nbsp;very&nbsp;last moment to&nbsp;secure&nbsp;that (a&nbsp;deal) but not at any cost... I think it will be&nbsp;very&nbsp;difficult&nbsp;to&nbsp;secure&nbsp;an agreement by&nbsp;next&nbsp;week, quite frankly," Varadkar told&nbsp;Irish&nbsp;national broadcaster RTE.

"Essentially what the United Kingdom has done is repudiated the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;that we negotiated in good faith with Prime Minister May's government over two years and has sort of put half of that now back on the table and are saying that's a concession and of course it isn't really. There are two big gaps."

Johnson has consistently said the United Kingdom will leave the EU on October&nbsp;31 with or without a&nbsp;deal, though a law passed by parliament demands he write a letter to the EU asking for a delay if he cannot strike an exit&nbsp;deal&nbsp;by October 19.

He has said he would abide by the law but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnson-warns-european-union-he-will-not-delay-brexit-254136">Britain would leave the EU by the end of the month</a>, without explaining that contradiction. He has also repeatedly demanded an election but parliament has refused to grant one.

The European Union has accused Britain of playing a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-stake-is-not-winning-some-stupid-blame-game-tusk-to-pm-johnson-on-brexit-254552">"stupid blame game"</a> over&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;after a Downing Street source said a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;was essentially impossible because German Chancellor Angela Merkel had made unacceptable demands.

With just 22 days before the United Kingdom is due to leave the bloc, the future of&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;remains deeply uncertain as both London and Brussels position themselves to avoid blame for a delay or a disorderly no-deal&nbsp;Brexit.

It will be very difficult to secure a Brexit agreement by next week with big gaps remaining in the British position, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Tuesday following a phone call with his British counterpart, Boris Johnson.

It will be very difficult to secure a Brexit agreement by next week with big gaps remaining in the British position, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said on Tuesday following a phone call with his British counterpart, Boris Johnson. "I'll certainly work until the very last moment to secure that (a deal) but not at any cost... I think it will be very difficult to secure an agreement by next week, quite frankly," Varadkar told Irish national broadcaster RTE. "Essentially what the United Kingdom has done is repudiated the deal that we negotiated in good faith with Prime Minister May's government over two years and has sort of put half of that now back on the table and are saying that's a concession and of course it isn't really. There are two big gaps." Johnson has consistently said the United Kingdom will leave the EU on October 31 with or without a deal, though a law passed by parliament demands he write a letter to the EU asking for a delay if he cannot strike an exit deal by October 19. He has said he would abide by the law but Britain would leave the EU by the end of the month, without explaining that contradiction. He has also repeatedly demanded an election but parliament has refused to grant one. The European Union has accused Britain of playing a "stupid blame game" over Brexit after a Downing Street source said a deal was essentially impossible because German Chancellor Angela Merkel had made unacceptable demands. With just 22 days before the United Kingdom is due to leave the bloc, the future of Brexit remains deeply uncertain as both London and Brussels position themselves to avoid blame for a delay or a disorderly no-deal Brexit.

Irish PM says very difficult to secure Brexit deal by next week

If the British government's approach is that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-deal-is-essentially-impossible-ever-downing-street-source-254498">fresh Brexit proposals</a> it made last week were presented on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, it must know that will not result in a deal, Ireland's foreign minister said on Tuesday.

"What you saw today from Donald Tusk was a frustration that the proposals seem to be, from a British perspective, on a take-it-or-leave-it basis," Coveney told a news conference, referring to the European Council President's accusation that Britain was playing a "stupid blame game" over Brexit.

"I agree that if the approach from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/uk-economy-starts-to-shows-cracks-under-brexit-and-global-strains-254409">the British government</a> is take-it-or-leave-it on the basis of the proposal coming from the British prime minister last week, then the British government must know that there is not going to be a deal."

If the British government's approach is that the fresh Brexit proposals it made last week were presented on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, it must know that will not result in a deal, Ireland's foreign minister said on Tuesday.

If the British government's approach is that the fresh Brexit proposals it made last week were presented on a take-it-or-leave-it basis, it must know that will not result in a deal, Ireland's foreign minister said on Tuesday. "What you saw today from Donald Tusk was a frustration that the proposals seem to be, from a British perspective, on a take-it-or-leave-it basis," Coveney told a news conference, referring to the European Council President's accusation that Britain was playing a "stupid blame game" over Brexit. "I agree that if the approach from the British government is take-it-or-leave-it on the basis of the proposal coming from the British prime minister last week, then the British government must know that there is not going to be a deal."

Ireland: British 'take it or leave it' approach amounts to no deal

Britain is open to some flexibility on the mechanism that would allow lawmakers in Northern Ireland to decide whether the British province remains in regulatory alignment with the European Union, as set out in London's latest Brexit proposals, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said on Sunday.

The 500 km&nbsp;border between Northern Ireland and European Union member Ireland, which will be the United Kingdom's only land frontier with the bloc after it leaves, has become the biggest sticking point of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-minister-hints-united-kingdom-could-soften-stances-in-european-union-talks-254066">Brexit negotiations</a>.

The problem is how to prevent Northern Ireland becoming a "back door" into the EU's single market and customs union without erecting border controls that could undermine the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of political and sectarian violence in Northern Ireland in which more than 3,600 people were killed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-boris-johnson-to-unveil-final-brexit-offer-to-european-union-253189">British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he cannot accept the so-called backstop arrangement</a> included in the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated with the EU by his predecessor Theresa May, which British lawmakers rejected three times.

He made what he called a final Brexit offer to the European Union on Wednesday which centres on replacing the backstop with a proposal for an all-island regulatory zone to cover all goods.

The proposal also says the legislative assembly in Northern Ireland, which has been suspended since 2017, would have the right to decide every four years whether it wants to continue to abide by EU rules on traded goods.

The European Union and Ireland, however, said the proposals were unlikely to result in a deal without more concessions.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he did not fully understand how the British proposals might work and that Dublin could not sign up to a treaty that did not safeguard an open Irish-British border.

The government acknowledged for the first time on Friday&nbsp;that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdom-prime-minister-johnson-to-submit-brexit-grand-bargain-but-ireland-sceptical-253001">Johnson will send a letter to the EU</a> asking for a Brexit delay if no divorce deal has been reached.

Speaking to BBC's Andrew Marr, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said he didn't think there would be "massive resistance" within the EU against the delay because "all minds are interested on finding a deal."

Britain is open to some flexibility on the mechanism that would allow lawmakers in Northern Ireland to decide whether the British province remains in regulatory alignment with the European Union, as set out in London's latest Brexit proposals, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said on Sunday.

Britain is open to some flexibility on the mechanism that would allow lawmakers in Northern Ireland to decide whether the British province remains in regulatory alignment with the European Union, as set out in London's latest Brexit proposals, Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay said on Sunday. The 500 km border between Northern Ireland and European Union member Ireland, which will be the United Kingdom's only land frontier with the bloc after it leaves, has become the biggest sticking point of Brexit negotiations. The problem is how to prevent Northern Ireland becoming a "back door" into the EU's single market and customs union without erecting border controls that could undermine the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of political and sectarian violence in Northern Ireland in which more than 3,600 people were killed. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he cannot accept the so-called backstop arrangement included in the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated with the EU by his predecessor Theresa May, which British lawmakers rejected three times. He made what he called a final Brexit offer to the European Union on Wednesday which centres on replacing the backstop with a proposal for an all-island regulatory zone to cover all goods. The proposal also says the legislative assembly in Northern Ireland, which has been suspended since 2017, would have the right to decide every four years whether it wants to continue to abide by EU rules on traded goods. The European Union and Ireland, however, said the proposals were unlikely to result in a deal without more concessions. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he did not fully understand how the British proposals might work and that Dublin could not sign up to a treaty that did not safeguard an open Irish-British border. The government acknowledged for the first time on Friday that Johnson will send a letter to the EU asking for a Brexit delay if no divorce deal has been reached. Speaking to BBC's Andrew Marr, Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins said he didn't think there would be "massive resistance" within the EU against the delay because "all minds are interested on finding a deal."

Flexibility to Northern Ireland leaders on regulatory alignment with European Union possible

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