The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned that there could be a return to violence if a hard border is implemented on the island of Ireland.
Mr Varadkar who compared Brexit as the equivalent of climate change, warned EU delegates at a summit in Brussels that there is a real possibility of a return to violence in the North if a border is introduced.
The Taoiseach who was attending the summit on Thursday, also told delegates that Brexit will forever change the relationships between Ireland and the UK as well as the UK and Europe.
Although the prospect of a hard border has been played down by Brexiteers, Mr Varadkar claimed that any such measure would be highly controversial as the threat of real violence is not exaggerated.
Mr Varadkar who praised the efforts of the EU and the UK in their attempts to reach an over all deal, told the summit that although attempts are being made behind the scenes by both parties, there are still some real big gaps that need to be addressed in order to shape future trade deals.
The Taoiseach’s comments come as both the EU and the UK are looking to secure an agreement before the UK leave the single market next March.
It is hoped that an overall agreement can be reached by December, but the issue of the Irish backstop has still proven to be a difficult obstacle to overcome in terms of the UK reaching a deal with the EU.