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Taoiseach speaks with PM May by phone

Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Prime Minister Theresa May spoke again by phone this evening.

They discussed the current situation in Northern Ireland, regretting that the parties there had been unable to reach agreement and noting that an election would now take place. They both expressed the hope that the election campaign would be respectful, noting that following the election the Northern Ireland parties would once again have to engage on the various challenges they face. The Taoiseach and Prime Minister repeated their desire to see the institutions established under the Good Friday Agreement operating effectively, and in particular to have a fully functioning Executive in place as soon as possible.

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to discuss the speech on Brexit which she plans to deliver tomorrow. The Taoiseach reiterated key concerns for Ireland, covering the economic and trading relationship, the common travel area, and the Northern Ireland Peace Process including border issues