“We want a lot more detail than what we have now,” Simon Coveney said

Simon Coveney has expressed frustration that the British government is still “surprised” by Ireland’s determination to secure a Brexit deal that would avoid a hard border.

The foreign affairs minister issued a stark warning last night to Westminster that his government’s concerns about Northern Ireland “won’t be pushed aside”. Downing Street has now been left isolated after Europe supported Dublin’s proposal for an all-island customs arrangement.

The Times has also learnt that the EU is examining whether a Hong Kong model can be used to create a unique status for Northern Ireland distinct from the rest of the UK as a World Trade Organisation member in its own right after Brexit.

The idea envisages Northern Ireland being given a new legal status at a greater