14:34

A biting column by Ireland’s former ambassador to the EU, Bobby McDonagh, one of the most respected voices on the Irish diplomatic circuit.

He laments the ignorance, lack of respect for its people and the country in some quarters in London. He names no names but there are many.

Those who question Ireland’s resolve, the intelligence of its people and its motivation over the backstop will not win, he says.

Ireland’s friendship of the UK “will not be dislodged by the aggression and condescension that has characterised some of the recent comment from London”.

It is worth a read to the end – with a lesson on what the backstop is: “Single-use” the same as a plastic bottle ditched in the ocean.