Brexit deal ‘90% agreed’, says Ireland’s deputy PM Simon Coveney

Speaking to Sophy Ridge on Sunday, Simon Coveney described the chances of agreeing a Brexit withdrawal treaty as “good”.

It came after EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told Austrian newspapers the “rapproachement potential” had increased in the last few days and that “it cannot be foreseen whether we will finish [the deal] in October. If not we’ll do it in November”.

Mr Coveney said: “I think the chances are good because I think the consequences of not getting a deal are very, very negative indeed.

“Don’t forget that the withdrawal treaty is already about 90% agreed in terms of text.

“The issues that haven’t been signed off on yet relate predominantly to Ireland and what’s needed now is the two negotiating teams to lock themselves in a room for the next 10 days.

“The British government needs to come forward with the new text that it’s promised in an effort to solve this Irish border issue.

“I expect it will be bumpy ride but it can be done and will be done.”

Members of the government, speaking on Sunday morning politics shows, also indicated they were optimistic of progress.

But they remained adamant there were no intentions of dealing with the promises Theresa May had already outlined.

Asked BBC1’s The Andrew Marr Show if the UK was close to a Brexit deal, Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis said: “Yes, I am confident, actually, the Prime Minister will come back with a deal.

“One that delivers for the United Kingdom, for our future economy.”