No ‘spirit of revenge’ in Brexit talks - Barnier

Michel Barnier has said there is no “spirit of revenge” in the Brexit negotiations.

He was speaking during a two-day trip to Ireland, during which he has been meeting business leaders and lobbyists in border areas.

Mr Barnier rejected DUP criticism of his handling of the talks, but said only a Northern Ireland-specific solution to the border question will work.

"There is no spirit of revenge,” said the European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator, addressing a conference in Dundalk.

"I personally regret Brexit for many reasons and I am never aggressive. My door is open."

The border between Northern Ireland and the Republic is set to become the UK's only land border with an EU state after Brexit, and most of the operational details on how it will be handled are yet to be agreed between Britain and Europe.

Michel Barnier said he wants to see rapid agreement on the Irish border by June.

"Only Northern Ireland-specific solutions will work, only this can address the challenges created by Brexit in full,” he explained.