Varadkar rules out three-way Brexit talks as negotiations resume in Brussels
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has ruled out formal three-way talks between the UK, Ireland and the EU about Brexit.
"There won't be tripartite or three-way talks," he said.
"What will happen is that there will be talks between the EU 27, and the UK and Ireland is part of the UK 27, and we're much stronger, by the way, as one of 27."
Mr Varadkar's comments came after British Prime Minister Theresa May suggested on yesterday that there would be three-way talks about Brexit.
The Taoiseach added that there will be consultations between the two Governments about issues that are unique to Ireland.
"We will, of course, have negotiations about what could be done to avoid a hard border but what we won't be getting into is a negotiation with the UK, or a three-way negotiation," Mr Varadkar said.
"That's not in our interest and not the way that this can be concluded."
The Taoiseach told RTÉ's Morning Ireland programme that he gave Mrs May's speech about Brexit on Friday a guarded welcome but detail was now needed from the UK Government.
"What we want is not so much principles and aspirations and red lines," Mr Varadkar said.
"What we want is detail, written down in black and white that can be codified into law and that is what is required."
Meanwhile, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has accused the British Government of playing games with Ireland over the border.
Last week, Theresa May refused to put into writing a verbal deal allowing the North to remain in the EU customs union after Brexit.
Mr Ahern thinks the UK is being cynical.
