Reacting to the meeting between the British Prime Minister and An Taoiseach, Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald said:

“Now is the time for steadiness, unity of purpose and calm heads. Negotiations are at a very sensitive point. Any deal must have legal and enduring guarantees that deliver for Ireland.

“We’re seeing very little detail from the meeting. What we do know is that there is no Brexit scenario that is good for the people of this island, but we’ve always said that a deal can be done.

“There is a viable option on the table in the form of the Withdrawal Agreement which all parties support, with the exception of the DUP.

“The next week will be critical. Any deal should include the backstop as the bottom line in protecting Ireland and protecting the Good Friday Agreement. 

“No veto can be given to unionism on protections for Ireland. It would be unthinkable to place Irish livelihoods, our economy and our peace at the hands of DUP Brexiteers.

“Ultimately we need a deal that delivers for Ireland.”