British Labour leader Keir Starmer says Rishi Sunak's new post-Brexit trade deal is an "opportunity" to restore devolution in Northern Ireland. The UK Prime Minister wants his so-called Windsor Framework to end the need for checks on all goods crossing the Irish Sea. The DUP resigned from the assembly in protest at a de-facto Irish Sea border last year.
Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan and Monaghan, Deputy Niamh Smyth believes there is a "real sense" on the ground and across all communities in the North for politicians to get "on with the job" that they're elected to do.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Deputy Smyth warned that as a result of political stalemate between parties, Government agencies and departments within the Northern Ireland Executive are "severely restricted" at a time when there is a housing crisis, among other pressures.
In her view, politicians in the North have been handed a "big opportunity" when it comes to the new Protocol deal. Deputy Smyth added that she hopes the new deal will be "grasped" with both hands by political leaders:.
