Martin: EU still willing to do deal

 ‘Big prize’ is waiting for UK   Dialogue ‘should intensify’

THE EU is “very much up for the deal” with the UK, the Taoiseach said yesterday.

Micheal Martin was speaking after Boris Johnson warned that unless there was “fundamental change” in Europe’s approach, Britain would go for the “Australia solution” – Downing Street language for no deal – in the post-Brexit trade talks.

Mr Martin said: “That is not my read of the situation.

“I think Europe is very much up for a deal and I think, judging by Michel Barnier’s presentation to the European Council, my assessment would be that within that there clearly is room for a deal and there has been actually progress on quite a number of issues.

“Yes, there are some outstanding key issues such as fisheries, governance and level playing field.