Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney is upbeat on the India-European Union FTA, and has lauded India's payments systems. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "I think realistically, we're probably looking at the second half of the year being a more likely time for a breakthrough there rather than the first half." India and Ireland trade worth Euro 10 billion per year. On India's payments system, he pointed out, "Hugely impressive...Everybody is buying and selling using their mobile phones." During the India visit, he had a meeting with EAM Jaishankar as well. Here is the transcript:

WION: How do you see India as a market? And what kinds of dynamics do you see between trading relationships when it comes to India and Ireland?

Simon Coveney: We see India as a dynamic and huge growth market, there are very few economies in the world that are growing at the pace that we're seeing here in India. And so, from an Irish perspective, you know, we're a globalised economy already. And I think you're likely to see a lot of dynamic young Irish companies choosing to come to India, to build partnerships here to build opportunities here. I hope also we're going to see more Indian companies come to Ireland as a gateway into the European Union. As we see trade between India and the EU grow significantly in the years ahead and we are as you know, working at the moment on an EU-India Free Trade Agreement, which hopefully can be agreed upon at some point later this year, which can facilitate even more trade, but you know, coming from a relatively small country in the European Union, but a country by the way, that has a very similar history to India, in terms of a colonial past a struggle for independence, and now of course, building a technology-based growth economy. We, I think, can partner in a very dynamic way. And the meetings I've had this week with some of the largest companies in India, working with dynamic Irish companies, providing solutions in areas like financial technology in areas like cybersecurity, obviously a big industry around aviation which are very much part of here. There are huge opportunities for growth. So today, we have an annual trade between India and Ireland that's worth about 10 billion euros per year. But we think that we can create a much-much bigger trade relationship in the years ahead.

WION: So you mentioned about India, EU FTA how hopeful you are on that FTA because it has been years since the negotiations have been happening now &amp; both sides, EU and India go into election cycle. So any deadline, any challenges you look forward?

Simon Coveney: Well, look, I think we need to be pragmatic, and I think we need to be somewhat patient as well in the context of election cycles. You know, I think most people will realise that compromises aren't easily found in the weeks before elections happen. So the European Union has European elections in June. There's an election cycle just beginning here as well of course, in India. So, look, as a trading country in Ireland, we want to see an FTA happen, but I think realistically, we're probably looking at the second half of the year being a more likely time for a breakthrough there rather than the first half.

WION: India's payment system, you must have seen that how do you see it as an example of a cashless society?

Simon Coveney: Hugely impressive. I have to say you know, when I was walking to the streets of Mumbai, lots of street traders there and I was talking to some of them and it's a cashless society. Everybody is buying and selling using their mobile phones. Really impressive is what I'd say. And, you know, we have a lot of companies in Ireland that are focused actually on payment systems, digital platforms for payment systems, in terms of protections, against fraud and so on. And this is an area where we'd like to work with India together. I think we can learn a lot from you. And I think you can also potentially learn from some of the successes that our companies have had but it's an amazing digital transformation that we've seen, even basic trading now on the streets, is taking place on the back of secure digital platforms. Very impressive.

WION: So my last question to you is, you met with the Indian External Affairs Minister. The key issues today are the conflicts, one happening in Europe and happening in West Asia. What's your country's stance?

Simon Coveney: Well, look, first of all, can I say I, you know, I have huge time for your foreign minister. You know, I know him we've worked together on the UN Security Council. He's a very able operator and very respected internationally. So as you would expect, we had a good conversation in relation to the war on Gaza. We both want to see a ceasefire happen. We want to see a significant humanitarian aid effort getting to the civilian population of Gaza the desperately need that now. Ireland has been one of the most vocal European countries calling for a ceasefire. Of course, we have strongly condemned the terrorist attack that Hamas perpetrated on Israeli citizens on the seventh of October, that must be condemned. There is no excuse for it. But the war that has followed has taken an extraordinary toll, more than 30,000 people killed, many of them children and women. And really, we need to see an end to that sooner rather than later. And India is a powerful voice internationally and I hope can play their role. On Ukraine, also, an enormous human tragedy. You know, we're seeing Russian aggression, trying to change international borders by force. In Europe right now in Ukraine,&nbsp;hundreds of 1000s of people killed. Ireland and all countries in Europe are showing very strong solidarity with Ukraine as they tried to protect themselves and the sovereignty and integrity of their own country. And what I would say is that this is not just a European war. The world needs to take note of what's happening. If the international community doesn't stand up to powerful countries that are trying to change international borders by force of arms. Well, then I think we're in a very dangerous place, if that becomes a precedent that the world accepts, and that is why we've taken such a strong position to try to support Ukraine, to defend themselves. And I hope that that can be successful in time as well, India's voice is a powerful one in the context of that conflict.

Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney is upbeat on the India-European Union FTA, and has lauded India's payments systems. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "I think realistically, we're probably looking at the second half of the year being a more likely time for a breakthrough there rather than the first half.

Ireland's Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney is upbeat on the India-European Union FTA, and has lauded India's payments systems. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, he said, "I think realistically, we're probably looking at the second half of the year being a more likely time for a breakthrough there rather than the first half." India and Ireland trade worth Euro 10 billion per year. On India's payments system, he pointed out, "Hugely impressive...Everybody is buying and selling using their mobile phones." During the India visit, he had a meeting with EAM Jaishankar as well. Here is the transcript: WION: How do you see India as a market? And what kinds of dynamics do you see between trading relationships when it comes to India and Ireland? Simon Coveney: We see India as a dynamic and huge growth market, there are very few economies in the world that are growing at the pace that we're seeing here in India. And so, from an Irish perspective, you know, we're a globalised economy already. And I think you're likely to see a lot of dynamic young Irish companies choosing to come to India, to build partnerships here to build opportunities here. I hope also we're going to see more Indian companies come to Ireland as a gateway into the European Union. As we see trade between India and the EU grow significantly in the years ahead and we are as you know, working at the moment on an EU-India Free Trade Agreement, which hopefully can be agreed upon at some point later this year, which can facilitate even more trade, but you know, coming from a relatively small country in the European Union, but a country by the way, that has a very similar history to India, in terms of a colonial past a struggle for independence, and now of course, building a technology-based growth economy. We, I think, can partner in a very dynamic way. And the meetings I've had this week with some of the largest companies in India, working with dynamic Irish companies, providing solutions in areas like financial technology in areas like cybersecurity, obviously a big industry around aviation which are very much part of here. There are huge opportunities for growth. So today, we have an annual trade between India and Ireland that's worth about 10 billion euros per year. But we think that we can create a much-much bigger trade relationship in the years ahead. WION: So you mentioned about India, EU FTA how hopeful you are on that FTA because it has been years since the negotiations have been happening now & both sides, EU and India go into election cycle. So any deadline, any challenges you look forward? Simon Coveney: Well, look, I think we need to be pragmatic, and I think we need to be somewhat patient as well in the context of election cycles. You know, I think most people will realise that compromises aren't easily found in the weeks before elections happen. So the European Union has European elections in June. There's an election cycle just beginning here as well of course, in India. So, look, as a trading country in Ireland, we want to see an FTA happen, but I think realistically, we're probably looking at the second half of the year being a more likely time for a breakthrough there rather than the first half. WION: India's payment system, you must have seen that how do you see it as an example of a cashless society? Simon Coveney: Hugely impressive. I have to say you know, when I was walking to the streets of Mumbai, lots of street traders there and I was talking to some of them and it's a cashless society. Everybody is buying and selling using their mobile phones. Really impressive is what I'd say. And, you know, we have a lot of companies in Ireland that are focused actually on payment systems, digital platforms for payment systems, in terms of protections, against fraud and so on. And this is an area where we'd like to work with India together. I think we can learn a lot from you. And I think you can also potentially learn from some of the successes that our companies have had but it's an amazing digital transformation that we've seen, even basic trading now on the streets, is taking place on the back of secure digital platforms. Very impressive. WION: So my last question to you is, you met with the Indian External Affairs Minister. The key issues today are the conflicts, one happening in Europe and happening in West Asia. What's your country's stance? Simon Coveney: Well, look, first of all, can I say I, you know, I have huge time for your foreign minister. You know, I know him we've worked together on the UN Security Council. He's a very able operator and very respected internationally. So as you would expect, we had a good conversation in relation to the war on Gaza. We both want to see a ceasefire happen. We want to see a significant humanitarian aid effort getting to the civilian population of Gaza the desperately need that now. Ireland has been one of the most vocal European countries calling for a ceasefire. Of course, we have strongly condemned the terrorist attack that Hamas perpetrated on Israeli citizens on the seventh of October, that must be condemned. There is no excuse for it. But the war that has followed has taken an extraordinary toll, more than 30,000 people killed, many of them children and women. And really, we need to see an end to that sooner rather than later. And India is a powerful voice internationally and I hope can play their role. On Ukraine, also, an enormous human tragedy. You know, we're seeing Russian aggression, trying to change international borders by force. In Europe right now in Ukraine, hundreds of 1000s of people killed. Ireland and all countries in Europe are showing very strong solidarity with Ukraine as they tried to protect themselves and the sovereignty and integrity of their own country. And what I would say is that this is not just a European war. The world needs to take note of what's happening. If the international community doesn't stand up to powerful countries that are trying to change international borders by force of arms. Well, then I think we're in a very dangerous place, if that becomes a precedent that the world accepts, and that is why we've taken such a strong position to try to support Ukraine, to defend themselves. And I hope that that can be successful in time as well, India's voice is a powerful one in the context of that conflict.

Ireland Trade Minister Simon Coveney hopeful on India-EU FTA, lauds digital payments system

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 foreign minister, Simon Coveney, said new British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/boris-johnson-reshuffles-cabinet-brexit-loyalists-take-front-seats-238303&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj7mczc2NLjAhUWiXAKHVLAAMMQFjAIegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3rfEjC6AIX2EX6UwLc2YxP">Boris Johnson</a>'s approach to Brexit was "very unhelpful" and would block an agreement after Johnson rejected a key Irish demand his predecessor had agreed to.

Johnson told the British parliament on Thursday he wanted to abolish the backstop, an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the event of longer-term trade talks collapsing.

Many Brexit supporters dislike the backstop - which would require Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom as a whole to stay in the European Union's customs union - as it would make it hard for Britain to negotiate free trade deals with other countries.

"The statements of the British prime minister yesterday in the House of Commons were very unhelpful to this process," Coveney told reporters on Friday after meeting Britain's new secretary of state for Northern Ireland in Belfast.

"He seems to have made a deliberate decision to set Britain on a collision course with the European Union and with Ireland in relation to the Brexit negotiations," Coveney added.

The backstop forms a part of a Brexit Withdrawal Agreement which Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, negotiated with Brussels last year. Britain's parliament rejected the agreement three times, ultimately forcing May to resign.

The EU has said the backstop is essential for any transition deal and a precondition for talks on a longer-term trade agreement.

WATCH:

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"The approach that the British prime minister seems to now be taking is not going to be the basis of an agreement, and that's worrying for everybody," Coveney said.

Johnson has pledged to take Britain out of the EU on October&nbsp;31, even if it means leaving without a transition deal.

A no-deal Brexit risk bringing chaos at Britain's borders with Ireland and France if the EU reimposes customs checks.

Ireland's prime minister, Leo Varadkar, said on Thursday it was not yet clear whether Johnson had chosen to leave the EU without a deal, and that he hoped to meet Johnson soon.

Coveney said his meeting with Britain's new Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, had been positive, and that he was optimistic political parties in the province would agree to form a government in the coming weeks.

Northern Ireland has been without a government since January 2017 following a rift between its two major parties.

Ireland's foreign minister, Simon Coveney, said new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's approach to Brexit was "very unhelpful" and would block an agreement after Johnson rejected a key Irish demand his predecessor had agreed to.

Ireland's foreign minister, Simon Coveney, said new British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's approach to Brexit was "very unhelpful" and would block an agreement after Johnson rejected a key Irish demand his predecessor had agreed to. Johnson told the British parliament on Thursday he wanted to abolish the backstop, an insurance policy designed to prevent the return of a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland in the event of longer-term trade talks collapsing. Many Brexit supporters dislike the backstop - which would require Northern Ireland or the United Kingdom as a whole to stay in the European Union's customs union - as it would make it hard for Britain to negotiate free trade deals with other countries. "The statements of the British prime minister yesterday in the House of Commons were very unhelpful to this process," Coveney told reporters on Friday after meeting Britain's new secretary of state for Northern Ireland in Belfast. "He seems to have made a deliberate decision to set Britain on a collision course with the European Union and with Ireland in relation to the Brexit negotiations," Coveney added. The backstop forms a part of a Brexit Withdrawal Agreement which Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, negotiated with Brussels last year. Britain's parliament rejected the agreement three times, ultimately forcing May to resign. The EU has said the backstop is essential for any transition deal and a precondition for talks on a longer-term trade agreement. WATCH: × "The approach that the British prime minister seems to now be taking is not going to be the basis of an agreement, and that's worrying for everybody," Coveney said. Johnson has pledged to take Britain out of the EU on October 31, even if it means leaving without a transition deal. A no-deal Brexit risk bringing chaos at Britain's borders with Ireland and France if the EU reimposes customs checks. Ireland's prime minister, Leo Varadkar, said on Thursday it was not yet clear whether Johnson had chosen to leave the EU without a deal, and that he hoped to meet Johnson soon. Coveney said his meeting with Britain's new Northern Ireland secretary, Julian Smith, had been positive, and that he was optimistic political parties in the province would agree to form a government in the coming weeks. Northern Ireland has been without a government since January 2017 following a rift between its two major parties.

Johnson 'very unhelpful' on Brexit, risks no deal: Ireland

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-may-seeks-a-border-compromise-in-northern-ireland-195606">Ireland's deputy prime minister</a> expressed annoyance on Monday at Britain's continued <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/new-brexit-talks-in-brussels-next-week-197609">failure to ratify a deal</a> on its orderly withdrawal from the European Union.

"Of course there's frustration," Simon Coveney, who is also Dublin's foreign minister, told reporters after more talks in Brussels with EU colleagues.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May thinks she might be able to get a deal signed with EU leaders in November past the British parliament if it is reworded.

But EU leaders, as Coveney noted, insist this is a non-starter and that, in particular, a guarantee of no hard border between Ireland and the UK must stay.

"My job is to try to protect Irish interests and the Irish people through Brexit, which is not an Irish policy," he said after the ministerial meeting.

"We are spending hundreds of millions of euros in Ireland preparing for a no-deal Brexit to try to protect Irish citizens," he added.&nbsp;

"We don't want to have to do that. Of course, we want a solution here. And yes, there's frustration," he said.

"We have less than 40 days to go until the United Kingdom formally leaves the European Union and we still don't know what the British government is actually asking for to actually get this deal ratified."

Earlier, Coveney had met chief EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier for an update on the talks.

Later, Barnier met Britain's latest minister for Brexit, Stephen Barclay, who is preparing in Brussels with British attorney general Geoffrey Cox to prepare the ground for May to return.

"Productive conversations with @MichelBarnier, with a commitment to work together to solve the backstop. I'll update my colleagues in Cabinet tomorrow," Barclay tweeted.

London wants the "backstop", the clause binding Northern Ireland into the EU customs union if a new deal to keep the border open is not found, to be time-limited or to be allowed to unilaterally end it.

May hopes that if the text of the deal is modified or clarified in such a way that Cox is able to advise sceptical lawmakers that the backstop is not binding, a majority would back it. &nbsp;&nbsp;

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt had insisted upon arriving at the meeting that Britain's support for the Northern Ireland peace deal was "unconditional".

Both London and Brussels would have to show flexibility to find a reworked Brexit deal that could get past the House of Commons, he said.

"But what we need is trust and vision on both sides, because what's at stake here is Britain's relationship with its European neighbours for the next 25 years."

Ireland's deputy prime minister expressed annoyance on Monday at Britain's continued failure to ratify a deal on its orderly withdrawal from the European Union. "Of course there's frustration," Simon Coveney, who is also Dublin's foreign minister, told reporters after more talks in Brussels with EU colleagues.

Ireland's deputy prime minister expressed annoyance on Monday at Britain's continued failure to ratify a deal on its orderly withdrawal from the European Union. "Of course there's frustration," Simon Coveney, who is also Dublin's foreign minister, told reporters after more talks in Brussels with EU colleagues. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May thinks she might be able to get a deal signed with EU leaders in November past the British parliament if it is reworded. But EU leaders, as Coveney noted, insist this is a non-starter and that, in particular, a guarantee of no hard border between Ireland and the UK must stay. "My job is to try to protect Irish interests and the Irish people through Brexit, which is not an Irish policy," he said after the ministerial meeting. "We are spending hundreds of millions of euros in Ireland preparing for a no-deal Brexit to try to protect Irish citizens," he added. "We don't want to have to do that. Of course, we want a solution here. And yes, there's frustration," he said. "We have less than 40 days to go until the United Kingdom formally leaves the European Union and we still don't know what the British government is actually asking for to actually get this deal ratified." Earlier, Coveney had met chief EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier for an update on the talks. Later, Barnier met Britain's latest minister for Brexit, Stephen Barclay, who is preparing in Brussels with British attorney general Geoffrey Cox to prepare the ground for May to return. "Productive conversations with @MichelBarnier, with a commitment to work together to solve the backstop. I'll update my colleagues in Cabinet tomorrow," Barclay tweeted. London wants the "backstop", the clause binding Northern Ireland into the EU customs union if a new deal to keep the border open is not found, to be time-limited or to be allowed to unilaterally end it. May hopes that if the text of the deal is modified or clarified in such a way that Cox is able to advise sceptical lawmakers that the backstop is not binding, a majority would back it. British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt had insisted upon arriving at the meeting that Britain's support for the Northern Ireland peace deal was "unconditional". Both London and Brussels would have to show flexibility to find a reworked Brexit deal that could get past the House of Commons, he said. "But what we need is trust and vision on both sides, because what's at stake here is Britain's relationship with its European neighbours for the next 25 years."

Ireland expresses 'frustration' at Brexit deal delay

Ireland votes on Friday in an abortion referendum that could be a milestone on a path of change in a country that, only a few decades ago, was one of Europe's most socially conservative.

Polls suggest Irish voters are set to overturn one of the world's strictest bans on terminations. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, in favour of change, has called the referendum a "once-in-a-generation" chance.

Voters in the once deeply Catholic nation will be asked if they wish to scrap a prohibition that was enshrined in the constitution by referendum 35 year ago, and partly lifted in 2013 only for cases where the mother's life is in danger.

Ireland has been changing fast. It legalised divorce by a razor-thin majority only in 1995, but three years ago became the first country in the world to adopt gay marriage by popular vote.

A decades-old battle over abortion has played out in a fiercely contested debate that divided political parties, saw the once mighty church take a back seat and became a test case for how global internet giants deal with social media advertising in political campaigns.

Unlike in 1983, when religion was front and centre and abortion was a taboo subject for most people, the campaign was instead defined by women on both sides publicly describing their personal experiences of terminations.

"The conversation that has resulted in me going to the ballot box to vote 'Yes' with certainty hasn't been a straightforward one," Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney wrote in the Irish Independent newspaper on Thursday.

"I have found it difficult, I have stumbled but I have met extraordinary women and men along the way who have changed my perspectives on this deeply emotive issue."

"Yes" campaigners like Coveney have argued that with over 3,000 women travelling to Britain each year for terminations and others ordering pills illegally online, abortion is already a reality in Ireland.

Government plans ''extreme''

Although not on the ballot paper, the "No" camp has seized on government plans to allow terminations with no restriction up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy if the referendum is carried, calling it a step too far for most voters.

"More and more people are realising that this government has planned to introduce an extreme abortion law, the only way to stop this is to vote 'No'," said Mary Butler, an anti-abortion lawmaker from the main opposition party, Fianna Fail.

Opinion polls have put those who favour changing the law in a clear lead. The two most recent surveys showed the "Yes" side pulling further ahead.

Polling stations close at 2100 GMT and national broadcaster RTE plans to publish an exit poll at 2230 GMT. The first indications of the result are expected mid-morning on Saturday, after the count begins at 0800 GMT.

Many expatriate Irish have travelled home to vote in one of the few European Union countries that does not allow those abroad to vote via post or in embassies.

Those away for less than 18 months remain eligible to vote at their former local polling station, and a majority appeared to back change.

Analysts said a high turnout, particularly in urban areas, would likely favour the "Yes" side.

"If anything, I'm sitting a little bit more comfortably after the last week having viewed the debates and the general moods and commentary of the 'No' camp," said Richard Colwell, chief executive of Red C, whose latest poll on Sunday showed 56 per cent for, 27 per cent against and 14 per cent still undecided.

"But that's what everybody thought when Brexit happened. We can't be complacent about it but it does appear that it's going to be a 'Yes' vote at this stage."

Polls suggest Irish voters are set to overturn one of the world's strictest bans on terminations

Ireland votes on Friday in an abortion referendum that could be a milestone on a path of change in a country that, only a few decades ago, was one of Europe's most socially conservative. Polls suggest Irish voters are set to overturn one of the world's strictest bans on terminations. Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, in favour of change, has called the referendum a "once-in-a-generation" chance. Voters in the once deeply Catholic nation will be asked if they wish to scrap a prohibition that was enshrined in the constitution by referendum 35 year ago, and partly lifted in 2013 only for cases where the mother's life is in danger. Ireland has been changing fast. It legalised divorce by a razor-thin majority only in 1995, but three years ago became the first country in the world to adopt gay marriage by popular vote. A decades-old battle over abortion has played out in a fiercely contested debate that divided political parties, saw the once mighty church take a back seat and became a test case for how global internet giants deal with social media advertising in political campaigns. Unlike in 1983, when religion was front and centre and abortion was a taboo subject for most people, the campaign was instead defined by women on both sides publicly describing their personal experiences of terminations. "The conversation that has resulted in me going to the ballot box to vote 'Yes' with certainty hasn't been a straightforward one," Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney wrote in the Irish Independent newspaper on Thursday. "I have found it difficult, I have stumbled but I have met extraordinary women and men along the way who have changed my perspectives on this deeply emotive issue." "Yes" campaigners like Coveney have argued that with over 3,000 women travelling to Britain each year for terminations and others ordering pills illegally online, abortion is already a reality in Ireland. Government plans ''extreme'' Although not on the ballot paper, the "No" camp has seized on government plans to allow terminations with no restriction up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy if the referendum is carried, calling it a step too far for most voters. "More and more people are realising that this government has planned to introduce an extreme abortion law, the only way to stop this is to vote 'No'," said Mary Butler, an anti-abortion lawmaker from the main opposition party, Fianna Fail. Opinion polls have put those who favour changing the law in a clear lead. The two most recent surveys showed the "Yes" side pulling further ahead. Polling stations close at 2100 GMT and national broadcaster RTE plans to publish an exit poll at 2230 GMT. The first indications of the result are expected mid-morning on Saturday, after the count begins at 0800 GMT. Many expatriate Irish have travelled home to vote in one of the few European Union countries that does not allow those abroad to vote via post or in embassies. Those away for less than 18 months remain eligible to vote at their former local polling station, and a majority appeared to back change. Analysts said a high turnout, particularly in urban areas, would likely favour the "Yes" side. "If anything, I'm sitting a little bit more comfortably after the last week having viewed the debates and the general moods and commentary of the 'No' camp," said Richard Colwell, chief executive of Red C, whose latest poll on Sunday showed 56 per cent for, 27 per cent against and 14 per cent still undecided. "But that's what everybody thought when Brexit happened. We can't be complacent about it but it does appear that it's going to be a 'Yes' vote at this stage."

Ireland votes in 'once-in-a-generation' abortion referendum

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Ireland votes in 'once-in-a-generation' abortion referendum