The Prime Ministers of Britain and Ireland agree on the need for an executive in Northern Ireland
Dublin: The Prime Ministers of Great Britain and Ireland have agreed to cooperate on issues such as the need to have an executive in Northern Ireland. The first phone conversation between British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Micheal Martin, it was decided that if no executive is formed in Northern Ireland by February 28, assembly elections will be held.
The issue was raised as the two-year deadline for forming the executive expires on Friday at midnight. Both prime ministers agreed that Northern Ireland urgently requires an executive.
Prime Minister Martin stated that the EU-UK interaction is critical in resolving the Northern Ireland Protocol issues. Sunak responded that the protocol issue is his priority. The Downing Street spokesperson clarified that there will be steps to strengthen the friendship between Ireland and Britain in the coming months.
Northern Ireland is a subject in the Dáil.
The government, according to Prime Minister Martin, Dáil, wants the executive to be formed in Northern Ireland. If that fails, the Irish government will step in under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou MacDonald said there should be a joint Dublin-London government if the formation of an executive is blocked.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has reiterated that if a new executive is not in place by Friday, a general election will be held. The secretary also clarified that the policy has not been changed in this regard, thinking that the leader has changed.
The DUP says it is prepared to face the election.
DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has stated that he is prepared to fight the election. Sinn Féin Stormont leader Michelle O’Neill has also stated that executive restoration is a top priority.
Alliance Party leader Naomi Long said the election was what the people of Northern Ireland wanted. Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said it would further polarise.
United against Russia
Prime Minister Sunak praised Ireland’s strong support for Ukraine and emphasised the importance of maintaining international unity in the face of Putin’s aggression. Sunak also spoke on the phone with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. On Twitter, Ursula von der Leyen stated that we must collaborate on critical issues such as the Russian war and climate change.
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