Irish border

Former Swedish prime minister Carl Bildt says the most logical place for Brexit trade barriers would be in the Irish Sea, but argues that option would bring down the UK government. His comment came alongside an Irish Times report quoting Theresa May's deputy telling the DUP there will be no border in the Irish Sea.

Ireland has extended its short-stay visa waiver program through December 31, allowing nationals of certain countries to transit or visit without obtaining an Irish visa if they hold a valid UK, US, Canadian or Schengen visa or residence permit. Immigration practitioners are flagging the deadline, noting travellers must still meet standard entry conditions at the border and should plan trips before the program expires.

Sally Rooney's UK publisher, Faber, has halted distribution of her books in Britain after she said she would donate her royalties to Palestine Action. Irish bookshops, including Kennys Bookshop in Galway, are now filling the gap, shipping her novels to British readers who can no longer buy them through usual channels.

The Irish government is preparing for the first time to formally examine the possibility of a united Ireland, announcing work to scope out what unification with Northern Ireland could involve. The move marks a significant step in Dublin's approach to the constitutional question, and is drawing attention given the sensitive politics of Northern Ireland's status and cross-border relations.

China's Chunlai Education Group has completed its acquisition of Dublin Business School from US education company Kaplan. The deal transfers ownership of one of Ireland's largest private colleges to the Chinese education group. The transaction highlights growing Chinese investment in overseas higher education institutions and raises questions about the future direction of the Dublin-based school under new ownership.