Taoiseach & New DUP Leader Have Held Talks In Govt. Buildings.

Friday, 4 June 2021 09:36

File image: Taoiseach, Micheál Martin/RollingNews

They had an "open exchange of views across a number of issues".

The Taoiseach and the new DUP leader held talks in Government buildings last night.

In a statement afterwards, the Taoiseach's office said the pair had had "an open exchange of views across a number of issues".

Pleased to welcome new DUP leader Edwin Poots to Government Buildings this evening.

We shared an open exchange of views on North-South cooperation, the Protocol, COVID-19 and ongoing political developments. pic.twitter.com/9GDbj2AWJo
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) June 3, 2021

Prior to last night's first ever meeting between the two men, new DUP leader Edwin Poots described relations between the two government as their worst ever.

But he pointedly added that was not due to the current Taoiseach.... but to the past Taoiseach.

In a statement following the meeting the Taoiseach office said the pair had had an "open exchange of views across issues including: political developments, Covid, North-South cooperation, and the implementation of the Northern Ireland Protocol.

Micheal Martin said the focus now needs to be on getting issues resolved and on reducing friction where possible.

He added that an obvious way to do this was to reach agreement between the EU and UK on a temporary veterinary agreement - which would do away with 80% of checks at Northern Ireland ports.

"Our relationships between North & South have never been as bad. I do not blame the current taoiseach for that. I blame the past taoiseach."

DUP leader @EdwinPootsMLA - speaking ahead of his meeting with Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD pic.twitter.com/ofaIw0DiCt
— Darran Marshall (@DarranMarshall) June 3, 2021

The statement also said it was important to highlight the critical importance of the stability and good functioning of the Northern Ireland Executive and all the Institutions of the Good Friday Agreement.

The two leaders have agreed to remain in touch over the coming period.