Irish-British relations have improved in last year – Harris

Jonathan McCambridge, PA

The relationship between Ireland and the UK has improved over the past year, new Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has said.

However, the Minister for Higher and Further Education acknowledged there were challenges in the relationship and said he was “proud” of the stance the Government had taken over the UK’s controversial Legacy Bill.

Speaking shortly after being confirmed as party leader, which will see him succeed Leo Varadkar as taoiseach, Mr Harris said he looked forward to engaging with UK prime minister Rishi Sunak as well as the recently restored powersharing Executive in Northern Ireland.

Mr Varadkar previously had differences with the UK government over Brexit, and relations were also strained at the Government’s decision to launch a legal interstate case against the UK’s new laws to deal with the legacy of the Troubles.

Mr Harris said he had recently hosted a reception in London and met with a number of MPs.

He said: “And I did say to them I do think Irish-British relations are in a much better place this March than they were last March.

“We have seen real progress around the Windsor Framework, we have seen real progress in relation to the Northern Ireland institutions back up and running.

“That is really important. I am determined to work with the Northern Ireland Executive. I look forward to the first North-South Ministerial Council taking place.”

Mr Harris continued: “I welcome, should I be given the honour of serving in the office of taoiseach, an opportunity to engage early with the British prime minister.

“This country remains strongly pro-European, our home in the European Union is crucial to who we are, to our identity and to our economic success.

“But good strong economic, social, personal and interpersonal relations with our nearest neighbour in the United Kingdom is always going to be a major, major part of Ireland’s diplomatic policy.”

Mr Harris said issues over truth and justice for victims in Northern Ireland still had to be worked through between the two governments.

He said: “There are challenges in the relationship, like there are in any.

“We are all aware of the Legacy Bill and the recent court rulings in Northern Ireland.

“Those matters need to be worked through.

“I am proud of the position adopted by the Irish Government.

“One that wasn’t done lightly at all, but that we will stand by victims and survivors and make sure they have an opportunity for truth and justice.”