Mary Lou McDonald tells Keir Starmer 'all is changed here' at Stormont meeting

Mr Starmer was called on to remain true to his commitment to repeal the Legacy Act which Michelle O'Neill said 'has failed victims and survivors'

(Left to right) Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn, First Minister Michelle O'Neill, deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Stormont Castle on Monday. Photo: Niall Carson/PA

"All is changed here and changing" Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told the new British prime minister when he visited Stormont on Monday.

Ms McDonald said that following the Labour party's comprehensive win over the Conservatives in last week's UK elections, there is an opportunity to foster positive relations between Britain and Ireland.

Speaking after her meeting with Keir Starmer, she said the difference between working with the Tories and Labour "has the potential to be as the daylight is to the dark".

The party leader spoke about creating a better future for those in the North and said Sinn Féin is "very, very conscious that we have an obligation to work constructively and in partnership for everybody".

Sinn Féin called for an early meeting between the Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald and the UK's new Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss cuts to public services.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said Sinn Féin used its meeting with Mr Starmer to make a case for fair funding to invest in health, education, and public services.

The issue of funding for Casement Park was also raised with concerns mounting that without it Belfast may miss out on hosting the five matches earmarked for the stadium in summer 2028.

(Left to right) Sinn Fein's Pat Cullen, First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill, Sinn Fein's President Mary Lou McDonald and John Finucane in the Great Hall of Parliament Buildings at Stormont on Monday. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA

"We emphasised the urgent need for funding to build Casement Park enabling us to host Euro 2028 and seize what is a momentous occasion for our people and economy," said Ms O'Neill. 

Mr Starmer was called on to remain true to his commitment to repeal the Legacy Act which Ms O'Neill said "has failed victims and survivors". He has been emphasising the importance of Northern Ireland and said he hoped that his visit on his third day as leader would be taken as a "clear statement of intent".

In an address after Monday's meetings, Mr Starmer echoed language used by Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tánaiste Micheál Martin saying the new Labour government offers the chance to reset relationships.

Mr Starmer did not go into detail about what was discussed at Monday's meetings with Stormont leaders but said that all issues raised with him would be dealt with in a constructive and collaborative manner. 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer was called on to remain true to his commitment to repeal the Legacy Act which Ms O'Neill said "has failed victims and survivors". Photo:: Liam McBurney/PA

Responding to questions about a potential border poll during his time in office, Mr Starmer said: "This is provided for by the Good Friday Agreement, the framework is set out and I am absolutely committed to the Good Friday Agreement.

"Today is a recommitment to that and to the approach and the role of the UK Government in that as the honest broker."

In terms of the EU and the Protocol, Mr Starmer said he believes a better deal than the "botched" one made by Boris Johnson can be negotiated.

The British prime minister was also urged to call for an immediate ceasefire in Palestine as the Israeli air and ground offensive has killed more than 38,000 people in the Gaza Strip, according to the health ministry in Gaza.