The Taoiseach has defended his handling of Brexit following backlash from Unionists who blame him for the Northern Ireland Protocol.
He stands by the backstop and the Protocol, saying they were mechanisms to achieve his objectives of keeping the European single market and protecting human rights in the six counties — "they're my firm red lines".
"I'm sure we've all made mistakes in the handling of Brexit", he said. "There was no roadmap, no manual."
"It wasn't something that we expected would happen and we've all done our best to deal with it."
He says that on his next visit he plans to reach out to all parties and communities in Northern Ireland "in an effort to find a solution".
"One thing I have said in the past is that when we designed the Protocol when it was originally negotiated, it was perhaps a little bit too strict."
"We've seen that the Protocol has worked without being fully enforced."
"There is room for flexibility and room for changes."
'Cross-community consent'
The Taoiseach has spoken to Unionists over the years who feel the Protocol "diminishes their place in the Union" and creates barriers between mainland Britain and Northern Ireland that didn't exist before.
"I do get that, but that's also true of Brexit", he said.
"Brexit was imposed on Northern Ireland without cross-community consent, without the support of the majority of people in Northern Ireland."
He regrets that Brexit cannot be reversed but also accepts that fact, saying that "anything we have done since then, whether it was the Backstop or the Protocol, was an attempt just to deal with that reality".
Safety concerns
The Fine Gael leader's image has appeared in threatening graffiti and posters in the North.
He said that any personal concerns over his safety will not deter him from visiting Northern Ireland, which he plans to do this month.
"Obviously the security arrangements will be guided by the Garda Commissioner and also by the police service in Northern Ireland."
Main image shows Taoiseach Leo Varadkar pictured at Government Buildings for Budget 2022 in October 2021. Picture by: Julien Behal / RollingNews.ie
