Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said Sir Keir Starmer played a “significant role” in “resetting the Irish-British” relationship, following the announcement of the Prime Minister’s resignation on Monday. In a statement, Mr Martin conveyed his “best wishes” to Sir Keir and expressed “no doubt” that the next prime minister would continue to strengthen bilateral ties.
Starmer’s Role in Resetting Relations
Mr Martin, who hosted Sir Keir 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.”
The Fianna Fáil leader highlighted progress on Northern Ireland legacy issues, noting: “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.” He 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.”
Deputy Premier and Other Reactions
Tánaiste Simon Harris, leader of Fine Gael, said Sir Keir had left the “relationship between our two islands stronger than he found it”. He stated: “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.”
However, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald used the 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.”
Northern Ireland Leaders’ Responses
Northern Ireland’s First Minister and Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill said the outgoing Prime Minister had treated those from the region as “second-class citizens”. DUP leader Gavin Robinson accused Sir Keir of “leaving behind a record of unfulfilled promises” in terms of Northern Ireland.
