Taoiseach Enda Kenny today addressed the London School of Economics (LSE). The Taoiseach is in London to meet with Prime Minister David Cameron for the first annual summit to review progress on the Joint Statement that the Taoiseach and Prime Minister signed last year. The statement set out ambitious plans for the development of British-Irish relations in a range of key areas over the next decade.
The Taoiseach said:
The start of St Patrick’s Week is a fitting time to reflect on those remarkable days, two years ago, when her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to us Banrian Eilis a Do came to visit Ireland.
With two words she brought healing across our too-divided history.
She addressed us as A Chairde, friends,
It is a case of some joy on both our islands that Britain and Ireland are indeed good friends and good neighbours.
The ties that bind us are reflected in the meetings undertaken today and indeed in all those undertaken as part of Ireland’s current Presidency of the Council of the European Union...
The Good Friday Agreement is the bedrock upon which much progress has been made and upon which we – Britain and Ireland as co-guarantors – must seek to build further.
The Taoiseach spoke about the Irish economy:
I firmly believe that Ireland is now heading in the right direction.
Our focus and determination are starting to pay dividends.
Ireland’s economy is entering its third consecutive year of growth.
We have made significant competitiveness gains with prices and costs falling back to 2003 levels.
Our successful phase return to the bond markets continues apace.
During the second half of last year the number of people working rose over a six-month period for the first time since 2008.
Ireland is rebuilding its international reputation, restoring its confidence, laying the foundation for a better, brighter, more prosperous future.
The Taoiseach spoke about unemployment:
Ireland, like many countries in Europe, including Britain, has experienced an unemployment blow in the past few years from which we have yet to recover.
However, we cannot allow economic recovery to be a jobless recovery.
This is the challenge of our generation.
It’s a challenge with no simple solution but it is a challenge we must meet head on.
Thankfully very recently we have started to see some positive improvements in the unemployment situation in Ireland.
The Taoiseach hightlighted the importance of the EU Presidency:
The Irish Presidency’s focus on stability will help build a secure foundation for renewed economic growth and job creation across our Union.
In a globalised economy purely ‘national’ responses prove increasingly inadequate.
Moreover, a well-regulated and well-functioning financial sector is critical to Europe’s future economic growth.
Which is why making progress on the proposals for Banking Union is a major priority for Ireland in its Presidency.
The Taoiseach concluded:
Finally, the time available today does not allow me to explore fully what I know is a hot topic for you here – the question of the UK’s position in the European Union.
Let me say simply, we joined the Union together 40 years ago. We have travelled a great distance together within it. We are of like mind on so many of the vital issues the Union faces, especially the jobs and growth challenges I have already set out.
The UK is an enormously important partner for us in Europe. We greatly value the contribution you make, and we look forward to it continuing long into the future. It is good for Europe, good for Ireland and, not least, good for the UK.
Read the full speech here.