Ireland and Britain have ‘very significant obligations’ to Good Friday Agreement, Taoiseach says

Micheál Martin and Andy Burnham met in Manchester as they discussed the Good Friday Agreement, Ukraine, Gaza and Ireland-UK relations

Ireland and Britain have “very significant obligations” to uphold and progress the Good Friday Agreement, the Taoiseach has said.

Speaking alongside British prime minister Andy Burnham in Manchester, Micheál Martin said it was important that the two neighbours continue “the very strong engagement” amid global uncertainty.

“We're co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement. We have very significant obligations to mind it and to progress it,” the Taoiseach said.

Mr Burnham said the relationship between Ireland and Britain matters “so much on every single level”.

“Close to home, as co-custodians of the Good Friday Agreement, we are working together to uphold its principles as we approach the 30th anniversary next year,” Mr Burnham said.

Good Friday Agreement

The comments from the two leaders come after US president Donald Trump gave momentum to discussions around Irish unity by backing the matter during a recent visit to Ireland.

Mr Martin said discussions would also focus on building stronger and closer links between the UK and the EU, while praising Mr Burnham and the British Government for their leadership on Ukraine.

Similarly, Mr Burnham thanked Mr Martin for the role Ireland had played within the Coalition of the Willing on Ukraine, through what he described as a “difficult time”.

British prime minister Andy Burnham greets Taoiseach Micheál Martin to No 10 North, Manchester, ahead of a meeting. Picture: Oli Scarff/PA Wire

The Taoiseach added that Mr Burnham had shown “leadership” on issues in the Middle East, particularly citing his “standing up for the humanitarian needs and rights of the Palestinian people”.

Mr Martin said Palestinians were “going through horrific conditions”.

Ireland and Manchester

The Taoiseach also spoke of the strong links between Manchester and Ireland, particularly highlighting the links with Cork.

Mr Martin referred to cricketer Noel Cantwell, as well as mentioning that two Cork men, Denis Irwin and Roy Keane, captained Manchester United.

“Those connections are enduring and they’re long, and hope springs eternal on the football side,” Mr Martin said.

The two met for the first time since Mr Burnham became prime minister at the new office of No 10 North, located in Manchester city centre.

Following their meeting, they are due to travel to the Brian Boru Irish club in Mr Burnham’s Makerfield constituency. The club has claimed to be the oldest Irish club in the United Kingdom.