merrion street

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore TD, met Theresa Villiers, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, today for political discussions.

Speaking after the meeting in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Tánaiste said:

“The Secretary of State and I discussed recent political developments in Northern Ireland, including the resumed political talks among Party Leaders on the Haass Proposals, the ongoing impact of legacy issues on the day-today politics of Northern Ireland and the role of the two Governments in supporting progress in dealing with the past.

“We are agreed that Northern Ireland urgently requires a new way forward on dealing with the past that can command public confidence. We are agreed also that the early successful conclusion of the political talks represents the best opportunity to make progress across all three important areas of parades, flag and identity issues and dealing with the past.

“Both governments will actively support the talks in the interests of an early agreement being reached. Maintaining the status quo in relation to these issues is not a feasible or satisfactory option for any constituency."