Ian Mallon: Political football plays havoc with security for Ireland v England

Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrives at a press conference during a visit to Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) training college.

DITHERING and uncertainty by the Taoiseach and British Prime Minister — over whether they will or won’t attend the Republic of Ireland v England clash on September 7 — is casting a shadow over security planning around the game.

There has been some speculation, but no official confirmation, that Simon Harris and Keir Starmer will go to the Aviva for the potentially volatile UEFA Nations League tie, following bilateral talks between both men, as part of a ‘reset’ of Anglo-Irish relations in Dublin earlier that day.