Shared Island speeches
- Published on: 10 November 2020
- Last updated on: 4 June 2025
Keynote address by Taoiseach Micheál Martin at the Research on a Shared Island conference
On 28 May 2025, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD gave the keynote address at the Research on a Shared Island conference, marking four years of the joint research programme between the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and the Department of the Taoiseach’s Shared Island unit. The Taoiseach also announced a new phase of the joint research programme as part of the Shared Island Initiative, with a focus on strategic policy and cooperation considerations for both jurisdictions on the island.
"I am delighted today to launch the 16th report under the ESRI / Shared Island programme, a report which importantly synthesises findings from all of the previous research to date, and, in doing so, highlights the overarching implications for policy as we look to further deepen cooperation across the island, underpinned by the Good Friday Agreement."
Read the full speech here.
Keynote address by Taoiseach Micheál Martin: A new phase of the Shared Island Initiative
In April 2025, Taoiseach, Micheál Martin T.D. delivered the keynote address at the 4th Shared Island Forum, where he outlined the Government’s priorities and ambitious objectives for the Shared Island Initiative in 2025.
"A reconciliation of our traditions needs all of us to be willing to look and think anew and to go the extra mile - to build new bonds and more trust and confidence across our communities.
The Good Friday Agreement provides the agreed democratic framework, and the values and commitments we need to do that.
Through the Shared Island Initiative over the last four years, we have sought to sustain an inclusive, open, ambitious focus on building a shared future with all communities and political traditions on this island."
Read the full speech here.