Derailing Brexit isn’t Leo Varadkar’s only aim

I agree with much of Liam Halligan’s analysis of the Irish government’s approach to Brexit (‘Good Friday disagreement’, 20 April). However, I think he omits an important point. Leo Varadkar is not merely attempting to derail Brexit; he is also hoping to achieve a united Ireland.

For decades politicians, officials and journalists in the south have privately peddled the line to gullible counterparts in Britain that the Dublin establishment has been ambiguous about whether it really wanted the North with all of its myriad problems, but this is and always has been a lie.

The Good Friday Agreement was clearly perceived behind closed doors in Dublin as a key transition stage to eventual reunification. The final step only required a favourable conjunction of circumstances, and for Varadkar and his team this is now on the horizon.

Abetted by Brussels, by the imbecility of the DUP, by British Remainer MPs and officials, and while mendaciously mouthing public sympathy, Varadkar has rendered genuine Brexit nigh on impossible.