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Howling at this, tbh.

Stevie’s options for the poll btw

Well the backstop was what most Tories claimed that they were opposed to. If it was restricted to NI only and the DUP were on board with that then their concerns would seem to have been allayed. Throw into that a number of Labour MPs who want a deal and might be persuaded by a committment to a level playing field and you have yourself a majority. The problem of course is that there are many in the ERG who seemingly only want no deal now. How many of them there are remains to be seen. Also, it is unlikely that Ireland are will to accept much watering down of the NI backstop element, they're going to want cast iron guarantees that this can't break down in a couple of years time. There is a path there to a deal but it's terribly narrow and time is very much against us.

I can't see the EU going for this. The DUP would demand a Stormont veto on new EU legislation. The EU will be mindful that Stormont is possibly the most disfunctional legislature in Europe. They aren't going to want to be beholden to the DUP's will. They may offer NI MEP representation in the European Parliament but they aren't going to give it the same veto powers as a national government.

venue of 'the famous european nights' looming large. odds of 25/1 for an away win. after predicting a 8-0 howking by tottenham, i'm inclined to do the same again whilst secretly sticking a tenner on brucey pulling off a shock, dedicated to mike, 0-3 victory with an almiron hatrick!

Just listening to John Beresford on Undr the Cosh podcast. Listening to his time at the Toon. Ah memories.