The DUP’s Jeffrey Donaldson accused the Irish Government of using the border as “bargaining chip,” and warned its championing of the backstop could have a chilling effect on relations north and south of the border.

His intervention is a reminder to Boris Johnson, and the other contenders to become Britain’s next prime minister, that the DUP will remain an obstacle to any withdrawal deal with the EU as long as the backstop remains unaltered.

Well, for his analysis of the situation, Newton Emerson, political commentator, joined Ivan.