Barnier to visit Dublin for Brexit talks on Monday

EU chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier will visit Dublin on Monday for talks with Irish premier Leo Varadkar.

It is seen as a sign of solidarity for Ireland ahead of an emergency EU summit in Brussels next week.

It comes after the British Prime Minister wrote to European Council president Donald Tusk requesting a Brexit delay, with an option to leave earlier if she can get a leave deal through Parliament.

A spokesman for the Taoiseach confirmed on Friday that Mr Barnier and his team would travel to the Irish capital.

“The aim is to take stock of developments in London as well as the ongoing planning for a possible no-deal scenario,” the spokesman said.

Mr Barnier will also meet with Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney and Finance Minister Paschal Donohue.

The visit comes within days of Mr Varadkar holding bilateral meetings with French and German leaders.