Speech
Statement by Taoiseach Simon Harris - 5 July 2024
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
"This morning, I have sent my warmest congratulations on behalf of the government and people of Ireland to Keir Starmer on his victory in the UK general election.
"Keir Starmer will become UK Prime Minister in the coming hours, he has brought the Labour Party to a comprehensive victory.
"I congratulate him, his family, his staff and his candidates and - as Taoiseach - I look forward to working together as close neighbours and friends.
"The relationship between Ireland and the UK is deeply consequential for all people across these islands. The relationship between a Taoiseach and a Prime Minister is vital.
"Today is about looking forward and realising the full potential of that relationship between Taoiseach and Prime Minister, and between our governments. Keir Starmer and I share a desire for it to go from strength to strength. It is time for a great reset.
"In the Labour Party manifesto the language towards Ireland was language of partnership and co-guarantors of our shared peace.
"This morning from Dublin I want to send a message to London that I will match Keir Starmer’s commitment and energy to our peace process and our future potential in so many other areas.
"I will work to make the Taoiseach-Prime Minister relationship not only what it should be, but what it could be.
"Ireland and the UK are not only neighbours, we are independent nations that are intertwined in history and in culture. In many, many instances, we are family.
"We have never forgotten that, not for one moment, no matter what challenges came our way.
"Overnight during the election counts we saw breakthroughs and heartbreak. Congratulations to those who made their breakthrough and to those who lost, I wish you, your family and your staff well.
"Finally, I look forward to early engagement with Prime Minister Starmer. We will say more on that in the hours and days ahead but he has a few other things to do first.
"At five o’clock this morning Keir Starmer told his country “Change starts now”.
"That change includes a closer Anglo-Irish relationship and the opportunity for a great reset."