Prior to the 25th anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, the Northern Ireland Protocol's problems, according to former taoiseach Bertie Ahern, may be rectified.
Mr. Ahern expressed optimism that a resolution to the remaining protocol issues would be reached in time for the agreement's anniversary to be observed in April.
Both the UK and EU claim a deal is feasible as negotiations to break the deadlock over the controversial trading arrangements following Brexit continue.
According to Mr. Ahern, the technical problems with the protocol can be resolved. He made this statement on BBC One's Sunday Politics Northern Ireland show.
I'm hopeful that when we get to April, we will be able to genuinely celebrate it and not in the way it is at present
"I do comprehend the concerns loyalists and unionists have with the constitutional stance. They do have worries that need to be resolved, and we must consider their opinions while we look for ways to allay their worries and fears. The former Fianna Fáil leader claimed that the protocol concerns have made "a lot of progress."
Mr. Ahern continued, "Hopefully throughout the first few weeks of next year that can be dealt with."
"The constitutional concerns are something we need to discuss with loyalists and unionists, and hopefully that will also happen.
Therefore, I'm optimistic that we will be able to truly celebrate April when it arrives rather than in the manner it is being done now.
Since February, when the DUP removed its first minister from the ministerial executive in opposition to the Northern Ireland Protocol of Brexit, Stormont's devolved government has been in flux.
The DUP has reiterated that until significant procedural changes are made, it will not permit a return to powersharing.
Following the Assembly election in May, the main unionist party in the area obstructed the creation of a new administration and stopped the Assembly from convening to perform legislative business as part of its protest against the protocol.
It asserts that by placing economic obstacles in the way of trade coming into the territory from Great Britain, the protocol has damaged Northern Ireland's standing within the United Kingdom.
