yes

Diversity is the key to economic and political evolution.

In the beginning, it was the only thing all sorts of people who opposed the deal for different reasons could agree on, so they coalesced around that. Had the backstop been stripped out then, all the other objections would doubtless have emerged.

However in the meantime the realisation has gradually sunk in that the agreement is not negotiable as far as the EU is concerned, and the best they can hope for is that the backstop is somehow magically removed or modified.

The reality of a no deal Brexit has now also begun the sink in, and not just as a negotiating ploy: so now those desperate for a deal are willing to accept perhaps just one face saving change to enable them to back a deal they previously opposed.

So if Boris can pull a rabbit out of the hat - say a NI only backstop - the vast majority would happily embrace it. The problem is there may not be enough rogue Labour votes to pass it in the absence of DUP and some Tory hardliner support.

Index of Frank's Diaries