May fails to strike Brexit border deal with Ireland

London Dec 4 (IANS) British Prime Minister Theresa May and the Irish government have failed to reach a deal on the crucial Brexit issue of the Northern Ireland border authorities announced on Monday.

Despite intense efforts over the weekend to agree on a proposal on how to avoid a hard border in Ireland Irish officials revealed on Sunday night that "there is still a way to go" to achieve a meeting of minds on the issue reports the Guardian.

"The Irish government remains hopeful... But at this stage it is very difficult to make a prediction " said an official.

The failure to seal a deal threatens to delay the progression of the Brexit negotiations to the second phase covering trade and the UK s future relationship with the European Union (EU).

Earlier on Sunday Ireland s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Simon Coveney had said that Ireland had "no desire" to be a roadblock to progress but said the country wants "concrete" proposals on how a hard border with customs and people checks would be avoided.

This development comes ahead of May s crucial meeting with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Monday where she will present the UK s final offer on the three main issues in the first round of Brexit talks - the Irish border citizens rights and the financial settlement the Guardian reported.

May was given the deadline of December 4 to table the offers before an European council summit on December 14 when EU leaders will decide if "sufficient progress" has been made to proceed to the next phase.

Meanwhile a special meeting of the Irish cabinet has been called for Monday morning in which ministers will get an update on May s talks with Juncker.

--IANS
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