The story of Brexit won't end if the UK leaves the EU on October 31 or January 31. There is no such thing as a clean break or just getting it done. Rather, we'll just move on to a new phase.

If there is no-deal it will cause severe disruption for Irish and British people alike but no so much on the continent.

Whatever happens, we'll just have to get back to the negotiating table quickly and when we do the first things on the agenda will be citizen's rights, the financial settlement and the Irish backstop, all issues that we had resolved in the withdrawal agreement with your predecessor, an agreement made in good faith by 28 governments.

If there is a deal and I believe that is possible we'll enter talks of a future trade relationship between the EU and the UK. It's going to be very tough. We'll have to deal with issues like tariffs, fishing rights, product standards and state aide and it will have to be approved by 31 parliaments.

Prime minister agreeing FTA's with the EU and US and securing their ratification in three years is going to a Herculean task for you but we do want to be your friend and your ally, your Athena in doing so and I think the manner in which you leave the European Union will determine that.