The Taoiseach has said that any personal concerns over his safety will not deter him from visiting Northern Ireland.

Leo Varadkar has become increasingly unpopular with loyalists who claim he was key in the creation of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

The Fine Gael leader's image has appeared in threatening graffiti and posters in the North.

While the Taoiseach finds it concerning, he says it won’t stop him from carrying out his duties.

"Obviously the security arrangements will be guided by the Garda Commissioner and also by the police service in Northern Ireland."

He added: "I'll follow whatever protocols and advice they suggest."

The Taoiseach plans to visit Northern Ireland in early January, before the Dáil resumes.

Stormont

Powersharing in the North is in flux due to a DUP boycott of the Stormont institutions in protest over the Protocol.

The Taoiseach says he would like to see things up and running again as soon as possible.

"I hope that an agreement between the UK and the European Union on the Protocol can unlock institutions in Northern Ireland and get them up and running", he said.

"But I'm not going to assume that's the case."

"I think it won't be possible to get the Assembly and Executive up and running again unless we have an agreement on the Protocol, so that's why it has to be a priority."

April 2023 will mark 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.

Main image shows Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Picture by: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo