The UK’s latest Brexit proposals are a “step forward” but further change is needed to avoid customs checks, the Irish deputy prime minister has said.
Simon Coveney said he welcomed parts of the plan but added he was “not going to pretend we have a solution” as yet.
He said Mr Johnson “has accepted” for the first time that there must be “full regulatory alignment for all goods” crossing the Irish border.
He added Ireland still had to “assume the worst” and prepare for no deal.
The British prime minister outlined proposals on Wednesday that would see Northern Ireland stay in the European single market for goods, subject to approval every four years by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Under the plan, Northern Ireland would leave the EU customs union along with the rest of the UK – resulting in new customs checks.