Keir Starmer had ‘significant role’ in UK-Ireland reset, Taoiseach says

By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

Keir Starmer played a “significant role” in “resetting the Irish-British” relationship, the Taoiseach has said.

In a statement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin conveyed his “best wishes” to Starmer following the announcement of his resignation on Monday.

Mr Martin also said he had “no doubt” that the next prime minister would continue to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

However, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the development represented “more chaos from those who have no interest in Ireland”.

Mr Martin, who hosted Starmer in Ireland in March, said: “I want to acknowledge the significant role Keir played in resetting the Irish-British relationship as well as relations between the UK and the European Union during his time as Prime Minister.

“Since Keir took office two years ago, he has worked with us to set a new direction and depth in the relationship between Ireland and the UK, for the benefit of all our citizens, north-south and east-west.

“Our two governments also took an important step forward in dealing with the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland publishing a joint framework on addressing the legacy of the Troubles.”

The Fianna Fáil leader added: “Keir is a person of great ability, decency and honour, and I want to wish him, his wife Victoria and their family, very well in their next chapter.

“I have no doubt that his successor as prime minister will wish to continue to deepen and strengthen the relationship between the UK and Ireland, and we will continue to work in furtherance of that objective.”

The country’s deputy premier and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris said Starmer had left the “relationship between our two islands stronger than he found it”.

He said: “Together we agreed to reset that relationship. To build it on peace, prosperity, mutual respect and friendship.

“To honour our shared duty as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement.

“Keir approached that work with seriousness, with decency and with heart.”

Ms McDonald used Starmer's announcement to reiterate calls for preparation for Irish unification.

She said: “Keir Starmer’s departure is the latest chapter in the revolving door of Westminster politics. Prime ministers come and go.

“Governments come and go. More chaos from those who have no interest in Ireland.

“That is why the time to prepare for Irish unity is now.”

She added: “That conversation is no longer about if constitutional change will happen, but how we prepare for it and ensure that it works for everyone that calls this island home.”

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s First Minister and vice president of Sinn Féin Michelle O’Neill said the outgoing Prime Minister had treated those from the region as “second-class citizens”.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson accused Starmer of “leaving behind a record of unfulfilled promises” in terms of Northern Ireland.