THE latest Brexit deal is "potentially dangerous" to Ireland, Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin has warned.
No agreement was reached on the border issue according to a document released by the EU and UK on Monday. However, a "backstop" position which would see the north effectively remain within the single market and customs union was included.
Agreement has also not been reached on how to avoid a hard border.
Mr Martin claimed a "false sense of calm" had been created "which is belied by the fact that none of the major items to be considered is anywhere near resolution".
"In the text released on Monday there remain major gaps where there is no substantive agreement and the reality is that the Irish border is the largest of these gaps," he said.
Mr Martin said Monday's deal could be dangerous to Ireland.
He said while the UK has reaffirmed it supports the principle of a backstop, "it has absolutely not agreed to the backstop sought by Ireland which would involve the automatic continuance of Northern Ireland in the customs union and single market until we agree some other arrangement".
Mr Martin pointed out that British Prime Minister Theresa May has reiterated she is opposed to any border in the Irish Sea.
"Equally the DUP has said it is entirely comfortable with Monday's outcome – hardy something which inspires confidence given that party's very negative attitude to the EU's proposed text on a backstop," he said.
He said Fianna Fáil is concerned the Republic's government did not put forward a proposal for a special status for the north early enough "because of a misplaced belief that Ireland could force the UK to agree a major compromise on its overall relationship with the EU".
"This has now been dragged into a deeply unhelpful and destructive debate where it is being misrepresented as a threat to the agreed constitutional framework on this island and within the UK," he said.
Mr Martin said an open border will be impossible to maintain "if the UK as a single trade area leaves the customs union or single market".
He accused the Irish government of "short-term spin" and said more clarity is needed.
"Unless we get it (clarity) the suspicion will be that whatever emerges will be declared a victory irrespective of its likely divisive impact on this island," he said.
