We will examine the Brexit deal from a Northern Ireland perspective, says Arlene Foster

“We have consistently urged both sides to achieve a deal,” the DUP leader said.

“We will, of course, examine the details both of the trade deal itself as well as other issues such as security where agreement will be particularly important from the Northern Ireland viewpoint.”

Mrs Foster added: “Given the government’s Northern Ireland Protocol, a sensible trade deal between the United Kingdom and the European Union was always the most favourable outcome for Northern Ireland.

“Moving forward, we will continue to work to seize the opportunities and address the challenges which arise from the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union.”

It is believed that the Northern Ireland Executive will meet on Monday to discuss the UK-EU trade deal.

“This is the start of a new era in the relationship between the UK and the EU and in Northern Ireland we will want to maximise the opportunities the new arrangements provide for our local economy,” Mrs Foster said.

Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the executive as a whole will examine the detail of the deal.

“While we have distinctly different political positions on leaving the EU, we are all agreed that it’s in no-one interests to leave without a deal, therefore this announcement is good news which will be welcomed across the whole island,” she said.

“As an executive we will now need to consider the detail of the agreement because there will be many questions on what the agreement means for businesses and citizens and it is important they get that clarity.”

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD said that while there will be relief that a trade deal has been agreed between the UK and the EU and that the Irish Protocol is in place, there is no good Brexit for Ireland.

She said: ““Four and a half years ago the north of Ireland voted to remain, but despite the wishes of the people it now finds itself outside of the European Union as a result of a Tory inspired Brexit.

“There will be relief that a trade deal has now been agreed between Britain and the EU and special arrangements for Ireland, encapsulated in the Irish Protocol, will be implemented.”

Ms McDonald added: “The Good Friday Agreement has been protected, there will be no hardening of the border and protections for the all-island economy are in place. There is also a level of certainty for businesses.

“But we are under no illusions that there is no good Brexit for Ireland, north or south, and the full consequences of this are as yet unknown.

“We need to look at the detail in this document and test it against what had been set out in principle in the wider agreement, the Irish Protocol and also against the Good Friday Agreement.

The secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, warmly welcomed the deal.

“This deal is excellent news for Northern Ireland and the whole of the United Kingdom,” he said.

“It builds on the agreement we reached with the EU on the implementation of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol.

“These decisions deliver on our commitments to Northern Ireland, ensuring that existing economic and social links with Great Britain and Ireland will be preserved, while protecting the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement and the hard won gains of the peace process.

“Northern Ireland is uniquely placed to benefit and prosper from this deal, making it an even more attractive place to invest, trade and do business.

“I encourage businesses and the members of the public to take all necessary steps before the end of the transition period. The latest government advice, guidance and support is freely available on GOV.UK.”

The Ulster Unionist leader, Steve Aiken OBE MLA, said there was little to celebrate, in light of the NI protocol:

“The announcement by the prime minister and European Commission president of a trade agreement may bring some certainty to businesses in Great Britain.

“However for Northern Ireland the benefits bring little to celebrate as we remain under the unequal and massively bureaucratic protocol, with the imposition of an Irish Sea border just days away. No amount of spin from Boris Johnson or those who facilitated and cleared the path for him, can hide that fact.”

Mr Aiken added: “With over 2,000 pages of text to closely examine it will take time to fully understand if there are any, even wider implications for Northern Ireland, but no matter what, this deal at the 11th hour should not be spun as a success — in many ways it is the least worst option and possibly the worst of both worlds for Northern Ireland.

“2021 will be a very difficult year and there should be a period of derogation for Northern Ireland for as long as possible included in the deal.”

The Social Democratic and Labour Party leader Colum Eastwood said that the conclusion of trade deal discussions between the UK government and the European Union will not undo the enormous damage caused by Brexit.

The Foyle MP said: “While the deal may seek to mitigate the damage that leaving the European Union will have on people, businesses and communities in Northern Ireland it will not undo the damage of Brexit. This entire Brexit fantasy is a future that people here do not want and did not vote for.

“A deal is better than no-deal, but the best deal will always remain being at the heart of the European Union. That is what our people voted for in 2016, we all deserve a future that is no longer limited to the least worst option.

“People here have chosen a future based on partnership and cooperation. The institutions of our peace process are founded on the hope and promise of a better society built by working with our neighbours, looking outwards and building towards a shared, inclusive future.”

Mr Eastwood added: “There will be no celebrating a deal that ultimately diminishes what we’ve worked so hard for over the last fifty years. While I do, however, want to acknowledge the immense efforts of Michel Barnier, his team and the Irish government who have gone to bat for Northern Ireland throughout this process.

“It’s the job of people here now to work together to build a better future and face the stark reality that we are now entering a new phase in politics. And we must, together, ask ourselves what type of society we want and how do we build it.

“The next phase of our politics must be about meeting the needs, hopes and ambitions of all our people. The changes our island now face are fundamental. It is time for a honest conversation, that begins with the truth that while the UK leaves one Union, the future of another is called into question.

“The SDLP will not shy away from the difficult conversations because we know we must lead our communities again through this time of new challenges as we have done before, together and in partnership.”

Ian Henry, president of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber), also reacted to the news.

“After four long years of uncertainty and upheaval, businesses will welcome the news that the UK and EU have reached an agreement that will let companies plan for the future,” he said.

“Our members will now need to see the detail and digest the agreement, and consider what its detailed provisions will mean for firms moving goods, people and data across borders.

“We must now see pragmatic steps to smooth the introduction of the new arrangements from January, including easements for genuine administrative errors, clear procedures at ports, and fast help from customs authorities. Nowhere is this more acute and urgent than for businesses trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

“This will not be an easy change for many businesses, who have also been struggling to deal with the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic and the latest enhanced restrictions.”

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