Taoiseach emphasises importance of Anglo-Irish relations after Sunak call

New Taoiseach Simon Harris (centre) with Tánaiste Micheal Martin (left) and Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan (right) 

New Taoiseach Simon Harris has emphasised his commitment to Anglo-Irish relations and support for Ukrainian sovereignty, after calls to British prime minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Mr Harris and Mr Sunak discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the war in Ukraine, the resumption of powersharing in Northern Ireland, developments since Brexit and the recent North-South Ministerial Council.

The Taoiseach said that “the British-Irish relationship is of huge importance” and he would continue to develop it.

Mr Harris also spoke by phone to Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, saying how important he views his role as a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement.

Wednesday marks the 26th anniversary since the historic peace deal was signed.

“With this week’s re-establishment of the North South Ministerial Council, the Taoiseach and the First Minister and deputy First Minister looked forward to renewed, positive North-South engagement in the months ahead,” a statement said.

Mr Harris also spoke by phone to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and said he is “fully committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

Speaking after that phone call, Mr Harris said: “I felt that it was important that in my first full day as Taoiseach I spoke with President Zelenskyy. I took the opportunity to reassure him of Ireland’s unwavering support of Ukraine and its brave people as they continue to defend their country against the imperialist aggression of President Putin and to restore their sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

"Russia is posing a grave threat to all of Europe and the people of Ukraine are not only fighting for their freedom but are also defending our shared values as Europeans."

He added: “I emphasised to President Zelenskyy that Ireland will continue to assist his country in any way we can and for as long as it takes. Russia cannot and must not prevail.

Meanwhile, during the 20-minute phone call to Mr Sunak, the two leaders committed to holding a bilateral meeting in person in the future, and began with a “warm” discussion about their roles and families.

A Downing Street spokesman said Mr Sunak congratulated Mr Harris on his appointment.

“The Prime Minister and Taoiseach began by reflecting on the strong UK-Ireland bilateral relationship and the shared importance of stability in Northern Ireland,” the spokesman said.

“They agreed that the restoration of the devolved institutions underpinned and deepened the British-Irish bilateral relationship.

“They discussed the strengthening of the economic ties and growth in bilateral trade between the UK and Ireland as the closest of neighbours.

“Turning to the Middle East, they agreed that Hamas should unconditionally release the remaining hostages from the deplorable 7th of October attack on Israel and expressed their grave concern over the worsening humanitarian situation and the need for Israel to accelerate the scale of aid delivered to Gaza.

“The Prime Minister reiterated his position that a two-state solution provided the best basis for a political settlement.

“On Ukraine, the leaders agreed on the vital importance of supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty and protect European security.

“The Prime Minister looked forward to working more closely with the Taoiseach on this important shared priority.

“The leaders agreed to stay in contact in the coming months and the Prime Minister said he looked forward to welcoming the Taoiseach to the UK-hosted European Political Summit in July.”