Brexit talks enter crucial stage

One of the reasons advanced for Frances Fitzgerald's resignation was the need for the Government to focus on Brexit, and in particular the upcoming European summit in mid-December.

As our front page story reports today, the Government is involved in an intensive diplomatic and political push in advance of the weekend to seek movement from the British government on the Border.

The British have moved on the financial settlement – now expected to reach the €60 billion the EU has always required – and there appears to be substantial agreement on the question of citizens’ rights.

So the Irish Border remains the final hurdle to be crossed in order for the December summit to declare “sufficient progress” has been made to enable phase two of the talks to begin next year.

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The British have been impatient for this phase, as it will encompass trade and the transition period after the Brexit date of March 2019. A failure to move on would have domestic consequences for Theresa May.

Ms May meets Jean Claude Juncker next Monday to present the British offers, so the next few days are crucial. Although the summit isn’t until mid-December, the decision really needs to be made next week to allow for the EU 27 to agree, and then for drafting of conclusions to take place for the summit. There’s a few days after the May-Juncker meeting to tie it up but no more than that.

So Irish diplomats and officials are on the road; Simon Coveney is on the phone; the Taoiseach is hosting Donald Tusk in Dublin tomorrow. It’s a crucial few days for Ireland’s post-Brexit prospects.

Our man in Westminster, Denis Staunton, reports from London, and Brussels correspondent Paddy Smyth has the latest developments in Brussels. More throughout the day.

Jobs for the girls

Fine Gaelers were sincere in their tributes to departed tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald last night. But they are politicians and naturally inclined to think about their own prospects.

The Taoiseach will announce his new tánaiste today, with the Examiner reporting this morning that Simon Coveney is likely to get the role.

There will also be a new member of Cabinet – Varadkar’s options are to elevate someone from the junior ministerial ranks or appoint directly from the backbenches.

Conventional wisdom in Leinster House says all the candidates are women. Varadkar was criticised for appointing too few when he picked his Ministers last time, so it’s almost certain he will replace Fitzgerald with a woman.

Leinster House will be transfixed with this today. So will the media. Nobody else will pay too much attention.