Statement by the Tánaiste on the first anniversary of the restoration of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
"As we mark the first anniversary of the restoration of the Assembly and the Executive, I think we can look to the coming years with some optimism.
"People in Northern Ireland are seeing their chosen leaders working on their behalf. That matters.
"The return of the devolved institutions also meant the return of the North South Ministerial Council, which has been functioning well, including holding two plenary meetings. The NSMC allows us consider common approaches to common challenges.
"There is a renewed energy in the relationship between Dublin and London and the two governments will continue to exercise our role as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement with purpose and with care.
"In the years ahead, there will be external challenges and, no doubt, some internal political challenges also, but I think we have the political will to weather those, working together.
"In my conversations last week with the First Minister and deputy First Minister, and political leaders in Northern Ireland, there was clear will to work to improve the day-to-day lives of people in Northern Ireland and across the island. I will play my part."