Talks on the Northern Ireland Protocol get underway again today amid renewed optimism that a deal can be struck between the two sides. 

Technical talks last took place in February and since then the negotiation has been characterised by stagnation, bitterness and recrimination. 

As Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss introduced legislation to unilaterally alter the protocol - much to the horror of Dublin and Brussels. However, since she became Prime Minister, both sides have struck an optimistic note. 

“Certainly the mood music has changed quite fundamentally,” Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said. 

“We welcome that, and we will work on not only the relationships to rebuild trust, but also work on solutions in a practical way, and I think that process very much starts in earnest this week.” 

A woman walks past past graffiti with the words 'No Irish Sea Border' in Belfast city centre, Northern Ireland. Picture by: Peter Morrison/AP/Press Association Images

His British counterpart, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, has made equally positive noises. 

"The tone, I think, has improved,” he told a fringe event at the Conservative party conference. 

“That's always a good sign. I think there is a recognition that it's in our collective interest to get this resolved. That is a good sign." 

Neale Richmond, Fine Gael’s European spokesman, said it good that talks were finally away again. 

“These [talks] are at an early stage,” he explained to Newstalk. 

“But the fact that we’re actually getting back to the talks table since February is in itself a positive mood.” 

People take part in a Loyalist protest in Newtownards, County Down, against the Northern Ireland Protocol. Picture date: Friday June 18, 2021.Brian Lawless/PA Wire/PA Images

Conor Burns, a minister in Britain’s Department for International Trade, said London’s position was that goods destined for Northern Ireland must be "treated differently to those goods which are going into the [European] single market".

"If we can find a way to recognise that reality, treat those differently, recognise the legitimacy of the United Kingdom's internal market on a par with the EU's single market, then I think there is a way through," he told the BBC. 

The DUP have said that unless the issue of the protocol is resolved that it could lead to the "funeral of the Good Friday Agreement".

Main image: Prime Minister Liz Truss, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Foreign Affairs  Simon Coveney and Secretary of State attend a Service of Reflection for Queen Elizabeth at St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast. Picture by: Liam McBurney/Pool via REUTERS