Micheál Martin: New UK government offers a 'significant opportunity'

Simon Harris has said the election of a Labour government in the UK can herald a “great reset” in Anglo-Irish relations.

The Taoiseach said he looks forward to working closely with Keir Starmer as he acknowledged his “comprehensive victory” in the recent British general election.

“I want to congratulate him and his family, his staff, and his candidates, and as Taoiseach I look forward to working together as close neighbours and as friends,” he said.

“The relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom is deeply consequential for all people across these islands, and the relationship between an Irish Taoiseach and a British prime minister is vital.”

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said the Anglo-Irish relationship was both rich and important, after speaking with the UK’s new foreign secretary David Lammy yesterday evening.

Mr Martin, who is also minister for foreign affairs, said the emergence of a new UK government offered a “significant opportunity” and that there was much to discuss.

The relationship between London and Dublin has been under severe strain in recent years.

The turbulence caused by Brexit and the Conservative government’s controversial laws to deal with the legacy of the Troubles were areas of major tension.

Mr Starmer has pledged to repeal the legislation that offered conditional immunity for perpetrators of Troubles crimes.

“Today is about looking forward,” Mr Harris said as he addressed reporters at Government Buildings in Dublin.

“It’s about realising the full potential of that relationship between Taoiseach and prime minister and between our governments. It is time for a great reset.”

Mr Martin said: “I was pleased to speak this evening with the new UK foreign secretary David Lammy and to congratulate him on Labour’s election victory and his appointment to his new role.

“We agreed that there is now a significant opportunity for a reset of our bilateral relationship.

“There is much for us to discuss, and I am looking forward to engaging on all these issues with the foreign secretary over the period ahead.

“Our countries share a relationship that is as rich as it is important...We are significant trading partners with countless family ties, reaching across these islands.

“Most critically, together, the British and Irish governments are co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. I look forward to building on that foundation to ensure positive progress together and to take forward our shared agenda.”