The North's first minister, Arlene Foster, says the Tánaiste's initial comments regarding the Northern Ireland border were very disappointing.
Yesterday, Leo Varadkar raised the idea of preventing people travelling over the border to curb the spread of Covid-19.
In the Dáil today Deputy Varadkar said cross border restrictions were not being considered.
This evening, Arlene Foster described the suggestion as "astonishing."
"I was astounded."
NI First Minister Arlene Foster says she was 'surprised' at comments from Tánaiste @LeoVaradkar's about cross-border travel.
She says that it is "really regrettable" that he has made those comments. pic.twitter.com/n9XHMO5so8
— Darran Marshall (@DarranMarshall) November 26, 2020
"I was astounded if not a little surprised that the Tánaiste was indicating that people in the Republic of Ireland would not be able to travel to see their families in Northern Ireland."
"I think it's regrettable it appears that the border has made a reappearance after Northern Ireland was lectured for four years that the border was completely open."
Meanwhile, Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill described Mr Varadkar as "out of touch".
"Leo Varadkar has demonstrated that he is complexly out of touch with the reality of life on this island."
Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill reacts to comments from the Tánaiste about cross-border travel over Christmas. pic.twitter.com/TGC1YcWA6A
— Darran Marshall (@DarranMarshall) November 26, 2020
"He's completely out of touch with the reality of life on this island I think his commentary reflects that."
Donegal GP Backs Suggestion To Tighten Border For Public Health Reasons
Meanwhile , Donegal based GP Martin Coyne thinks measures must be taken to restrict travel.
"Nobody around, certainly in Lifford, wants to lock down the border but I do think we need to make it a little bit inconvenient to travel over to Strabane or Derry for frivolous reasons."
He said he would be in favor of a twenty-four hour garda check point on the bridge between Donegal and Derry.
