Paul Hosford: Events leading up to Andy Burnham's elevation contrast with our humdrum politics

Sources in government expect Andy Burnham to carry on in much the same way as Keir Starmer when it comes to Ireland

As Andy Burnham today became the UK's seventh prime minister in just a decade, there was an implicit warning to be careful what you wish for. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA

The political media class in Ireland, this writer included, has a tendency to complain about the entertainment value — or otherwise — of proceedings here.

At times, because of this country's relative stability, it can feel like the day-to-day happenings are a bit humdrum, especially when we compare to our neighbours to the east and west — even Canada has had interesting elections in recent years, and its former prime minister is now dating Katy Perry.

But looking east on Monday as Andy Burnham became the UK's seventh prime minister in just a decade, there was an implicit warning to be careful what you wish for. That level of political upheaval can't be good for anyone, let alone hardy hacks.

In Dublin, the departure of Keir Starmer has been met with some sadness, but the Labour Party's choice of successor has ensured that that there will be no extended period of mourning.

After the best part of a decade littered with clashes over Brexit, the Irish-UK relationship had dipped to a nadir not seen in some decades by 2024, when Mr Starmer swept to power in a "loveless landslide" and the new leader immediately set about repairing the relationship. 

In the sweltering July heat, he and then-taoiseach Simon Harris raised pints of Guinness as Mr Harris became the first foreign leader invited to the country home, which will have its keys turned over to Mr Burnham along with those to 10 Downing Street.

That meeting is seen as crucial in a reset of Irish-UK relations which has seen Mr Starmer come to Ireland on two occasions, as well as either side hosting a summit aimed at improving the working relationships between the two nations — one in Liverpool, one in Cork.

In Dublin, Mr Burnham is seen as somebody who understands Ireland and has, in his time, made an effort to understand the country.

When it became apparent that Mr Burnham would be the only nominee to replace Mr Starmer, Taoiseach Micheál Martin was in Brussels and told reporters: "I know Andy, I’ve met him on a number of occasions, he’s taken a particular interest in Ireland, and he has come to see us on a number of occasions."

He added that Mr Burnham’s interest was “particularly on [the] economy, and in respect of his role as mayor in Manchester he was particularly focused on Irish economic policy and development”.

In Dublin, Andy Burnham is seen as somebody who understands Ireland and has, in his time, made an effort to understand the country. Photo: Ben Birchall/PA

On Monday, Mr Martin pointed to the "deepening" of the Irish-UK relationship and said Ireland "will also work to facilitate a stronger relationship between the UK and European Union".

"During his time as mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy was a great champion of deeper links between Ireland and Britain. It has been a pleasure to meet him on several occasions, including during his visits to Ireland last year.

"I will work with prime minister Burnham to ensure that close co-operation between Ireland and the UK delivers real tangible benefits for people, communities and businesses right across these islands."

Sources in government have over the last number of weeks said they expect Mr Burnham to carry on in much the same way as Mr Starmer when it comes to Ireland, so there is little fear of the kind of upheaval which accompanied the myriad changes made in the Brexit years.

In that, the Government, if not the media, is probably grateful for a lack of entertainment.

• Paul Hosford, deputy political editor