Following his discussions with the leaders of the Stormont parties over the reinstatement of the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Taoiseach went to the stadium on Wednesday.

As a form of protest against the post-Brexit trading arrangements, the DUP has been abstaining from Stormont for more than a year.

The fact that Linfield FC was training players from Northern Ireland and the Republic, according to Mr. Varadkar, was encouraging.

“Really pleased to have the chance to visit Belfast again today, been to the city many times but I’ve never been to Windsor Park, so, great to have a chance to visit. I think I’m the first Taoiseach to do so,” he said.

“And also, a good opportunity to be with Linfield and meet their academy, really good to see that they’re training young players from all parts of Northern Ireland and indeed some from Drogheda and from the Republic of Ireland as well, so very positive to see that happening here.”