Irish PM urges UK to support peace, stability in N. Ireland

Ireland's Prime Minister Michael Martin speaks to members of the media during his visit to Terminal 10, the largest state facility in Dublin Port, in Dublin on Nov 23, 2020. (JULIEN BEHAL / POOL / AFP)

DUBLIN – Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin on Thursday called on the British government to work together to support peace and stability in Northern Ireland.

Martin made the remarks after the announcement of British Prime Minister Liz Truss's resignation earlier in the day.

"Working together to protect the gains of the Good Friday Agreement and to support peace and stability in Northern Ireland continue to be vital responsibilities for the British and Irish governments, particularly now in the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly," said Martin.

"Britain is Ireland's closest neighbor and a relationship of partnership between the British and Irish governments is vital for peace and prosperity on these islands," he noted.

Martin also called on the United Kingdom to make "substantive" engagement with the European Union on the Northern Ireland Protocol.

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Truss resigned after just over six weeks in office, making her the shortest-serving prime minister in UK history.