THE European Union's chief Brexit negotiator last night said the UK's withdrawal agreement was "90 per cent" complete, but could still fail over the issue of the Irish border.
Speaking to French broadcaster Inter radio, Michel Barnier said while there were ongoing stumbling blocks over the Irish border, "a deal is possible, it is desirable but it is difficult".
He said he was hoping to complete the deal "in a few weeks or a few months, as soon as possible".
But asked if he was convinced that a deal would be done, he replied: "I have no deep conviction on this subject, because in the UK the political situation is very complex and I don't know what decisions Theresa May will take.
"I hope for a deal, I am working for it, because it is in our common interest."
The one "extremely serious" issue outstanding was the need to ensure there is no hard border in Ireland, said Mr Barnier.
Asked if the whole deal could fail over this point, he replied: "My answer is yes."
On Thursday, Mrs May and other EU leaders voiced renewed confidence that they could secure a Brexit deal, but the two sides remain at odds over how to deal with the border issue.
