People have noted how uncomfortable Boris Johnson appears.
The Taoiseach has told the British Prime Minister the manner in which they leave the European Union will determine the future relationship between Ireland and Britain.
At a meeting in Dublin this morning, Leo Varadkar restated the Government's position that the Backstop remains critical to the withdrawal agreement
During the at times frosty press conference, the Taoiseach didn't hide his true feelings on Brexit and how things have gone to date.
Irish Taoiseach @LeoVaradkar telling Boris Johnson some hard truths about Brexit, to his discomfort.
If only our own government were honest enough also to communicate this clear & blunt reality to the UK public.pic.twitter.com/ZgU2JqgFd5
— Mike Galsworthy (@mikegalsworthy) September 9, 2019
Standing next to Johnson, Mr. Varadkar said:
''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.''
A clip from the speech has since been shared on Twitter and people can't help but enjoy the awkwardness of the entire thing.
Leo Varadkar tells Boris Johnson some hard, home truths.
"There's no such thing as a clean break, or just getting it done ... Whatever happens, we'll have to go back to the negotiation table."pic.twitter.com/msBBVHWOWq
— David Lammy (@DavidLammy) September 9, 2019
BREAKING: Boris Johnson gets Brexit update from Irish PM Leo Varadkar in Dublin. pic.twitter.com/uETQvQDXHy
— The Poke (@ThePoke) September 9, 2019
The reason I look so uncomfortable is that we failed to anticipate the curve ball that Leo Varadkar would throw by just standing there and blatantly telling the truth. pic.twitter.com/MGnLh559TF
— Parody Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson_MP) September 9, 2019
Johnson’s insulting ramblings to our country and Leo Varadkar is too much. The arrogance and ignorance standing there speaking these words: “I know to perfectly frank, that Brexit was not a problem, that Ireland wished for...but if you just strip away the politics of the border”. pic.twitter.com/dM6GBenaiR
— Dr. Jennifer Cassidy (@OxfordDiplomat) September 9, 2019
