The Irish government is trying hard to portray itself as a friend of the UK and to avoid becoming isolated and being portrayed as the nation holding up progress in the Brexit talks. So publicly it is all smiles and positive vibes. Privately, not so much.

Objectively, what progress have the Brussels talks made since the EU Council meeting in October decided there was "insufficient progress"? The UK government appears to be holding some concessions in reserve to be delivered just ahead of the summit and to be spun as major concessions.

Whether they will be seen as too little, too late, is anyone's guess at this stage.

Index of Frank's Diaries