Irish EU Commissioner Hogan: Optimistic of Brexit deal in coming weeks

In an interview for RTE's Brexit Republic Podcast, Ireland's EU Commissioner Phil Hogan has noted that he still believes that a Brexit deal can be reached in the coming weeks.

Additional Comments:

A UK-wide customs union with the EU would not be a replacement for this Northern Ireland-specific backstop.

A no-deal outcome would be chaotic for the UK.

The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier was looking at the idea of a UK-wide customs backstop with an "open mind" and would see what amendments are necessary to make it acceptable to the EU 27.

The UK cannot be allowed to "cherry-pick" the single market and could not be out of the EU and still have the same benefits.