Keir Starmer has played a “significant role” in resetting relations between Ireland and Britain, according to the Taoiseach, reports Breaking News.
In a statement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin offered his “best wishes” to Mr Starmer following the announcement of his resignation on Monday.
He also said he had “no doubt” that the incoming UK prime minister would continue efforts to strengthen ties between both countries, reports Breaking News.
However, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the development reflected “more chaos from those who have no interest in Ireland.”
Mr Martin, who hosted Mr Starmer in Ireland in March, said: “I want to acknowledge the significant role Keir played in resetting the Irish-British relationship as well as relations between the UK and the European Union during his time as Prime Minister,” reports Breaking News.
“Since Keir took office two years ago, he has worked with us to set a new direction and depth in the relationship between Ireland and the UK, for the benefit of all our citizens, north-south and east-west,” reports Breaking News.
“Our two governments also took an important step forward in dealing with the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland publishing a joint framework on addressing the legacy of the Troubles,” reports Breaking News.
The Fianna Fáil leader added: “Keir is a person of great ability, decency and honour, and I want to wish him, his wife Victoria and their family, very well in their next chapter,” reports Breaking News.
“I have no doubt that his successor as prime minister will wish to continue to deepen and strengthen the relationship between the UK and Ireland, and we will continue to work in furtherance of that objective,” reports Breaking News.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said Mr Starmer had left the “relationship between our two islands stronger than he found it.”
He said: “Together we agreed to reset that relationship. To build it on peace, prosperity, mutual respect and friendship,” reports Breaking News.
“To honour our shared duty as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement,” reports Breaking News.
“Keir approached that work with seriousness, with decency and with heart,” reports Breaking News.
Ms McDonald used the announcement to repeat calls for preparation towards Irish unification.
She said: “Keir Starmer’s departure is the latest chapter in the revolving door of Westminster politics. Prime ministers come and go,” reports Breaking News.
“Governments come and go. More chaos from those who have no interest in Ireland,” reports Breaking News.
“That is why the time to prepare for Irish unity is now,” reports Breaking News.
She added: “That conversation is no longer about if constitutional change will happen, but how we prepare for it and ensure that it works for everyone that calls this island home,” reports Breaking News.
Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the outgoing prime minister had treated people in the region as “second-class citizens,” reports Breaking News.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson said Mr Starmer was “leaving behind a record of unfulfilled promises” regarding Northern Ireland, reports Breaking News.
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