The resurgence of COVID-19 and wider political difficulties for the UK prime minister Boris Johnson has largely replaced the NI protocol negotiations in the news recently.

However, the resignation of Lord Frost which is part of the wider political difficulties for BoJo, meant finding a replacement to lead the UK side in the negotiation process with the EU.

Liz Truss, formerly the minister with responsibility for agriculture and current foreign secretary (minister) has been chosen for the role.

Political commentators will ponder on the significance of a formerly pro-EU minister becoming a strong advocate for Brexit.

However, it will be pragmatism that is required as she and her EU opposite number, vice president Maroš Šefcovic, look to make the adjustments necessary to find a long-term workable trade arrangement that allows trade in agri produce continue uninterrupted on the island of Ireland and with minimal disruption between the UK and Northern Ireland.

Truss is a minister that gets business done

Given the speed with which the UK has concluded trade deals with Australia and New Zealand from scratch, there is no doubt Truss is a minister that gets business done.

Farmers in Britain and Ireland have cynically observed that is because she gives whatever is asked for and, while the UK was generous with Australia and New Zealand, her scope is more limited with the Protocol.

However, with the EU demonstrating more pragmatism as the year progressed, a recognised deal maker on the UK side will at a minimum do no harm.