merrion street

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore was in Belfast this morning where he met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms. Theresa Villiers M.P., and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

Following the meeting the Tánaiste said:

Today's meeting provided a welcome and timely opportunity to discuss the recent flag protests with the Secretary of State and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister and review developments towards calming the situation.

We stand ready to work to repair any damage done to the economy of Northern Ireland and the negative impact of the current unrest on Northern Ireland’s international reputation.

The two Governments reaffirmed their commitment to support the efforts of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to resolve the current crisis and to work closely together to identify ways to address not just the current crisis but its underlying causes.