Cowen: Progress in North not affected

RELATIONS between the British and Irish Governments are “based on agreements” which they are “bound to” no matter who becomes prime minister, Taoiseach Brian Cowen said last night.

While insisting he would not preempt discussions between parties on the formation of a coalition government in the wake of the British election, Mr Cowen reminded the next prime minister that “good progress” has been made on peace in the North and said he hoped this will continue.

“The relationship between the Irish and British Governments has been the engine of the peace process and continues to be crucial to the achievement of progress in the North,” Mr Cowen said in a speech in Dublin. “In the coming days a British government will take office. I and my cabinet colleagues look forward to working closely with them in the years ahead across a range of issues, but including, of course the crucial issue of Northern Ireland.”

Mr Cowen welcomed the decision by DUP leader Peter Robinson to stay on as the North’s first minister as an elected member of the Northern Assembly, despite losing his Westminster seat.

“I think he’s made a great contribution to the affairs of Northern Ireland as first minister and it is an important part of the process that he has now indicated that he is staying on in that position.

“I am very happy to see that he intends to continue to play a role because he has made a great contribution in recent times,” he said.

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, meanwhile, offered commiserations to Mr Robinson and congratulated the SDLP on their success in retaining three seats. On the overall results of the election Mr Kenny said: “It is imperative that a stable government can be established as soon as possible in the interest of the financial markets and the wider economy.”

On wider election issues he said: “Despite all the hype about televised debates, opinion polls and new media, this election has reinforced the fact that elections are about the will of the people. That will has to be respected.”