AG百家乐在线官网

Is the DUP prepared to deal? It depends who you ask.

Arlene Foster's party, like every other political party, houses differing opinions.

There is the more pragmatic wing and the more ideological wing.

Some of them baulk at the prospect of a no-deal Brexit and its potential implications for business and farming.

But others are willing to take that risk, those who campaigned for a leave vote alongside Nigel Farage.

There is, however, one thing that unites them and the clue is in their title: they are a unionist party.

The DUP will never give ground if they think it risks Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom.

There has been a change in tone - away from the rhetoric of "bin the backstop".

They are talking up their willingness to accept greater cross-border alignment in farm and food sectors.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

0:38

But that falls far short of the UK-wide backstop or even a Northern Ireland-only backstop.

Will the DUP accept Northern Ireland remaining in the EU Customs Union while the rest of the UK exits?

"Never, never, never…" to borrow the iconic words of its founder, the late Rev Ian Paisley.

But a no-deal Brexit is a double-edged sword for unionists - any toughening of the Northern Irish border will only hasten calls for Irish unity.

No-deal Brexit will hit fresh food supplies, Sainsbury's chief warns

Everyday items people take for granted could be impacted in the event of Britain leaving the EU without a deal, Sainsbury's warns.

There is another hurdle in terms of the reported breakthrough - the DUP would almost certainly demand that Stormont has a veto.

The devolved government collapsed two and a half years ago and there is no sign of it returning soon.

:: Listen to Sophy Ridge on Sunday on , , ,

Sinn Fein will be in no rush to help Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar and Arlene Foster secure any deal with elections looming.

The DUP does not speak for the majority in Northern Ireland or wield as much influence at Westminster.

Even with its votes, Boris Johnson can no longer command a majority in parliament.

There are reasons why it would want a solution, not least the deafening chorus of calls for one at home.

But the constitutional question trumps everything else and gives the ideological wing an edge in any battle.

Even if the lady was for turning, she would face a herculean task in turning all her party with her.