The Irish backstop

What is consent regarding a border on the island of Ireland? It seems the dup are dictating. The Irish backstop is the familiar name aiming at preventing an evident border on the island of Ireland. It is reported to have been signed as a stand alone agreement in November of last year by the UK and the council of Europe. The council of Europe is one institution that the UK have said they intend to continue to be involved with after Brexit.
The Irish backstop draft, according to reports has been appended to the draft Brexit withdrawal agreement but has not been ratified.