The interim leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Gavin Robinson, has expressed optimism following Simon Harris’s election as Taoiseach. Robinson believes this is a chance to mend the strained relationship between the Irish Government and unionist communities, which he claims was significantly damaged by the predecessor administration’s handling of affairs.
Robinson addressed the North Antrim DUP Association in Ballymena on Tuesday evening, emphasising the geographically-close relationship with the Republic of Ireland and the need for balanced cooperation as residents on the same island.
Controversy arose from the tenure of Leo Varadkar, the previous Taoiseach, for his purported threatening posture in the Brexit discussions. Varadkar used the Troubles-era bombing of a customs post as a powerful reminder to Brussels on the perils of a hard Irish border – allegations he strongly refuted. The ex-Taoiseach’s united Ireland agenda sparked criticisms, an issue that Harris has seemingly taken off the table for now, deeming it a valid ambition but not a priority.
Robinson, acknowledging Northern Ireland’s societal rift, highlighted the need for a consensus-driven approach to progress. Obviously, other Northern parties are eager for the new Taoiseach to uphold strong cross-border relations.
Colum Eastwood, the SDLP leader, voiced his support for Harris and his keen interest in the North, hoping to collaborate to fortify North-South cooperation which has been marred due to North’s devolution suspension. He also aims to expand the Shared Island unit’s work and continue uniting the diverse communities of the island.
Alliance Party’s leader, Naomi Long, extended her best wishes to Harris for his new role.
In her previous role, Leo Varadkar developed a significantly beneficial and close partnership between Northern Ireland and the Republic, a relationship that the successor, Mr Harris, is expected to further foster, as discussed by a representative. On an interesting note, both Rishi Sunak, the British premier, and his contender, Labour’s Keir Starmer, extended their commendations to Mr Harris on a Tuesday afternoon during the parliament’s Easter recess period, even though Westminster is largely empty.
Starmer, the Labour’s head, was the first to articulate his feelings on Twitter/X, conveying his anticipation about working with the Taoiseach, focusing on intensifying the bonds between their two nations. In an uncanny coincidence, just two minutes later, Sunak also used social media to deliver a like-minded message, expressing eagerness about creating sturdier ties with his Irish fellow while jointly working for the people of these isles.
Adding to this, despite having an extraordinarily challenging day with his wife’s brother being indicted for an alleged kidnap, Scotland’s prime minister Humza Yousaf found a moment to extend his best wishes to Mr Harris from Edinburgh. Praising his achievement, he mentioned that being given the opportunity to lead the nation one adores is the highest honour one could receive.
Accompanying these gratifications, the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, offered her praise to the new Taoiseach, expressing shared enthusiasm about working with him to serve Ireland and Europe as a whole.
The Taoiseach is planning a trip to Brussels on Thursday, where he will be interacting with Dr von der Leyen and Roberta Metsola, who currently presides over the European Parliament from Malta. The Taoiseach is expected to prioritise these engagements before the impending EU leaders summit happening next week in Brussels. The summit’s agenda is expected to focus on formulating strategies to enhance the economic competitiveness of the union.
Claire Cronin, the American ambassador to Ireland, had previously engaged in fruitful discussions about bolstering ties between the US and Ireland in areas like higher education and research collaboration with Mr. Harris when he was with his earlier designation. As the two nations enter their centennial year of diplomatic relationships, Cronin looks forward to collaborating with the Taoiseach to further solidify their countries’ partnership and the camaraderie between the people.