Taoiseach speaks with Keir Starmer about Irish-British relationship and Storm Éowyn assistance
Kenneth Fox
Taoiseach Micheál Martin spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday.
Both leaders reaffirmed the importance of the Irish-British relationship, and looked forward to the first in a series of annual Ireland-UK summits that will be hosted by Britain in March.
The impact of storm Éowyn and ongoing recovery efforts were also raised, with the Taoiseach welcoming the assistance to ESB provided by UK crews as part of a mutual association agreement among electricity companies.
The leaders discussed Northern Ireland, legacy issues and a number of international issues, including the commemoration in Auschwitz.
The Taoiseach looked forward to meeting again with Starmer at an informal meeting of the European Council in Belgium on February 3rd.
Speaking after the call, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
“I was pleased to speak again with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer this morning, following my appointment as Taoiseach.
“We are both committed to making 2025 an important and defining year for Irish-British relations as we initiate a series of annual summits to drive a programme of strategic cooperation between our two countries.
“We spoke about Northern Ireland and our shared vision as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement to furthering prosperity and reconciliation to the benefit of all.
“We discussed global issues, including Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, in particular the need for a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“Later today I will be attending an event to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
"We discussed the importance of remaining committed today to combatting antisemitism and all forms of discrimination, intolerance and racism.”
Positive and constructive call with UK PM @Keir_Starmer today.
Discussed the importance and vitality of the Irish-British relationship and the upcoming Ireland-UK summit, NI and global issues.
Thanked the PM for the help of UK crews as ESB restores power after Storm Éowyn.
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) January 27, 2025
