Professor Imelda Maher:

There is a slightly different narrative that we hear in some quarters. This is the overwhelming narrative. There is one that holds - if I can put it facetiously, almost - that it will be easy-peasy. The thinking is that the UK is in the European Union and that those involved already know what all the rules are. They reckon they are not like the Canadians, who did not have anything to go on, so they believe they will be able to sign it off in six months. I do not think that takes account of the damage that has been done in terms of negotiations between the UK and EU partners. International relations and agreements are based on a form of trust. I do not think six months is feasible either but that is another narrative. Some say it cannot be done in that period while others say it can be done because the UK is already very close and part of it all. Some believe that to move outside it would not be that complicated. However, that does not take account of how dramatic a difference some political voices want the relationship with the EU to be.