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Belfast Telegraph
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Robinson: Irish Republic has no right to demand anything of the UK on legacy
Gavin Robinson said he was 'genuinely perplexed' by Mr Harris's claim that the Irish government was 'negotiating' on legacy with its counterparts in Westminster. Mr Robinson, accusing the Republic of 'a callous quest to protect their own failings' on the past, said the Irish government had no right to demand anything of the UK. The Tanaiste visited Northern Ireland on Thursday for the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) at Hillsborough Castle, Co Down. Secretary of State Hilary Benn and Mr Harris led the Anglo-Irish meeting, which focused mostly on legacy issues. Afterwards, Mr Harris said both governments are working in "very good faith" to bring about an agreed position. He said: 'We are in the middle of a negotiation and a discussion, so I don't want to go through each issue, other than to say I think a lot of progress has been made on a lot of issues.' He said the two governments will know whether they can reach an agreement on legacy issues "within weeks' Mr Benn agreed that their discussions had been "productive", adding that the governments have "moved closer together" on an agreed position. However, Mr Robinson criticised Mr Harris's comments. "I was genuinely perplexed when I watched the press conference following the BIIGC on Thursday. Hilary Benn stood mute whilst Simon Harris indicated he was negotiating legacy with 'the British',' he said. 'With such an abysmal record of their own, the Republic has no right to demand anything of the UK. 'They continue their callous quest to protect their own failings, whilst seeking to challenge our Government. In doing so, they assist in a morally corrupt rewriting of the past.' In his weekly email to DUP members, Mr Robinson said he had visited Omagh this week, where a Real IRA car bomb killed 29 people in 1998, including a woman pregnant with twins. Earlier this month the Irish government announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which allows a public inquiry into the atrocity to access material it holds. However, Mr Robinson has said Dublin should establish a parallel inquiry in its own jurisdiction. He said this month's agreement 'does not allow for a thorough examination of the actions, or inactions, of the security services in the Republic of Ireland'. He added: 'The fact that the Omagh bomb was planned, assembled and transported from across the border underscores the need for scrutiny of the role played, or missed, by authorities in the Republic.'
Irish Examiner
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Governments will know ‘within weeks' if legacy agreement can be reached
The Irish and British governments will know whether they can reach an agreement on Northern Ireland legacy issues 'within weeks', the deputy Irish premier has said. Simon Harris said both governments are working in 'very good faith' to bring about an agreed position. The Fine Gael leader made the comments following a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in Co Down on Thursday. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn and Tanaiste Simon Harris speak to media at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference at Hillsborough Castle (Brian Lawless/PA) Mr Harris was hosted by the Northern Ireland Secretary at Hillsborough Castle for a series of talks on legacy, security and political stability. Hilary Benn and Mr Harris took part in the Anglo-Irish meeting, which focused mostly on legacy issues. The meeting was also be attended by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson MP and Ireland's Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan TD. It was the first time the conference, which was established under the Good Friday Agreement, has been held in Northern Ireland since 2006. Mr Harris told reporters that the Irish Government has always had two key tests when it comes to legacy. 'Firstly, is the mechanism compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights, and secondly, does it have the support of victims and their families. They are the two principles, the two tests that we're applying in our discussions,' Mr Harris said. 'I know you, Hilary, feel very strongly in relation to that as well. We are in the middle of a negotiation and a discussion, so I don't want to go through each issue, other than to say I think a lot of progress has been made on a lot of issues. But you are right. There is a moment in time where we have to call this for many reasons, including those that Hilary has outlined. 'People are getting older. People are going to their grave still not knowing the truth in relation to the loss of their loved one. Parliamentary under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn, Tanaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan (Brian Lawless/PA) 'I think we will know within weeks whether it is possible to have a joint position between the two governments or not. 'I really hope it is, and we're both working in very good faith to try and bring that about. But it is now a question in my mind of within weeks.' He said it was important for both sides to come to an agreement on what legacy mechanisms look like. Describing their meeting as 'constructive', he said there were detailed discussions on the reform of the controversial Legacy Act and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). 'I passionately believe, I know you do too, that this peace agreement, the Good Friday Agreement works best when the two governments pull in the same direction, and if at all possible, that's where we want to get to, where we could actually have a joint position in terms of a mechanism on the legacy of the past,' he added. Mr Benn agreed that their discussions had been 'productive', adding that the governments have 'moved closer together' on an agreed position on legacy issues. 'Over the the work that's been taking place in recent months, we've moved closer together,' Mr Benn said. 'I think that's a very fair reflection as what has been happening and we're putting in all of this effort, the intensive discussion that our officials have been engaged in, the regular conversations that the Tánaiste and I have had is because we want to be able to find an agreement. 'Some of the issues are quite tricky – you wouldn't expect me to go into them in this press conference today – but we're putting the work in because we believe we'll be in a stronger position if we can find an agreement, and in the end, help to build confidence in arrangements that, in the end, are going to deliver the families. 'This is what it's all about. It is the families that we have to have in mind, and in particular, the many families I have met who are still searching for answers, in some cases after very many years, about what exactly happened to their loved ones. And we all have an obligation to find a mechanism that will finally give them the answers they have sought for so long.' He said he had agreed with Mr Harris to meet again before the end of May. Tanaiste Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA) Mr O'Callaghan described the meeting as 'productive and engaging'. 'We discussed a variety of issues, the main one which was legacy, but we also discussed security cooperation,' Mr O'Callaghan added. 'I was very pleased to be able to emphasise at the meeting the agreement that has been reached between the Irish Government and the chairperson of the Omagh inquiry, which I think is a substantial agreement, a memorandum of understanding that I believe is going to provide an avenue to which documentary evidence will be provided by the Irish Government to the inquiry. 'As well as discussing legacy, however, I think it's also important that we concentrate and focus on the other areas where there is excellent agreement between our two governments.' Meanwhile, Ms Anderson said an update was given on the UK government's commitment to helping the Executive 'transform' public services. She also said security and other areas of cooperation were discussed. 'It's been a very positive meeting,' she said. 'The recent release of £129m from the UK government's £235m transformation fund has been allocated to priority areas including health, education and justice, and we're keen to see positive change implemented for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.' The meeting follows the UK-Ireland summit in March when the two governments pledged to work closely to deliver security, investment and growth. At the time, British prime minister Keir Starmer said the relationship between the UK and Ireland had 'reset' following a 'turbulent' post-Brexit period.
Irish Times
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Decision on NI legacy issues due ‘within weeks', says Tánaiste
The Irish and UK governments will know whether they can reach an agreement on Northern Ireland legacy issues 'within weeks', Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has said. He said both governments are working in 'very good faith' to bring about an agreed position. The Fine Gael leader made the comments following a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in Co Down on Thursday. Mr Harris was hosted by the Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn Hillsborough Castle for a series of talks on legacy, security and political stability. READ MORE Mr Benn and Mr Harris took part in the Anglo-Irish meeting, which focused mostly on legacy issues. The meeting was also be attended by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan and by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson, It was the first time the conference, which was established under the Belfast Agreement, has been held in Northern Ireland since 2006. Mr Harris told reporters that the Irish Government has always had two key tests when it comes to legacy. 'Firstly, is the mechanism compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights, and secondly, does it have the support of victims and their families. They are the two principles, the two tests that we're applying in our discussions,' Mr Harris said. 'I know you, Hilary, feel very strongly in relation to that as well. We are in the middle of a negotiation and a discussion, so I don't want to go through each issue, other than to say I think a lot of progress has been made on a lot of issues. But you are right. There is a moment in time where we have to call this for many reasons, including those that Hilary has outlined. 'People are getting older. People are going to their grave still not knowing the truth in relation to the loss of their loved one. 'I think we will know within weeks whether it is possible to have a joint position between the two governments or not. 'I really hope it is, and we're both working in very good faith to try and bring that about. But it is now a question in my mind of within weeks.' He said it was important for both sides to come to an agreement on what legacy mechanisms look like. Describing their meeting as 'constructive', he said there were detailed discussions on the reform of the controversial Legacy Act and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). 'I passionately believe, I know you do too, that this peace agreement, the Good Friday Agreement works best when the two governments pull in the same direction, and if at all possible, that's where we want to get to, where we could actually have a joint position in terms of a mechanism on the legacy of the past,' he added. Mr Benn agreed that their discussions had been 'productive', adding that the governments have 'moved closer together' on an agreed position on legacy issues. 'Over the the work that's been taking place in recent months, we've moved closer together,' Mr Benn said. 'I think that's a very fair reflection as what has been happening and we're putting in all of this effort, the intensive discussion that our officials have been engaged in, the regular conversations that the Tánaiste and I have had is because we want to be able to find an agreement. 'Some of the issues are quite tricky – you wouldn't expect me to go into them in this press conference today – but we're putting the work in because we believe we'll be in a stronger position if we can find an agreement, and in the end, help to build confidence in arrangements that, in the end, are going to deliver the families. 'This is what it's all about. It is the families that we have to have in mind, and in particular, the many families I have met who are still searching for answers, in some cases after very many years, about what exactly happened to their loved ones. And we all have an obligation to find a mechanism that will finally give them the answers they have sought for so long.' Mr Benn said he and Mr Harris had agreed to meet again before the end of May. - PA
Belfast Telegraph
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Governments will know ‘within weeks' if legacy agreement can be reached
Simon Harris said both governments are working in 'very good faith' to bring about an agreed position. The Fine Gael leader made the comments following a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in Co Down on Thursday. Mr Harris was hosted by the Northern Ireland Secretary at Hillsborough Castle for a series of talks on legacy, security and political stability. Hilary Benn and Mr Harris took part in the Anglo-Irish meeting, which focused mostly on legacy issues. The meeting was also be attended by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson MP and Ireland's Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan TD. It was the first time the conference, which was established under the Good Friday Agreement, has been held in Northern Ireland since 2006. Mr Harris told reporters that the Irish government has always had two key tests when it comes to legacy. 'Firstly, is the mechanism compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights, and secondly, does it have the support of victims and their families. They are the two principles, the two tests that we're applying in our discussions,' Mr Harris said. 'I know you, Hilary, feel very strongly in relation to that as well. We are in the middle of a negotiation and a discussion, so I don't want to go through each issue, other than to say I think a lot of progress has been made on a lot of issues. But you are right. There is a moment in time where we have to call this for many reasons, including those that Hilary has outlined. 'People are getting older. People are going to their grave still not knowing the truth in relation to the loss of their loved one. 'I think we will know within weeks whether it is possible to have a joint position between the two governments or not. 'I really hope it is, and we're both working in very good faith to try and bring that about. But it is now a question in my mind of within weeks.' He said it was important for both sides to come to an agreement on what legacy mechanisms look like. Describing their meeting as 'constructive', he said there were detailed discussions on the reform of the controversial Legacy Act and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). 'I passionately believe, I know you do too, that this peace agreement, the Good Friday Agreement works best when the two governments pull in the same direction, and if at all possible, that's where we want to get to, where we could actually have a joint position in terms of a mechanism on the legacy of the past,' he added. Mr Benn agreed that their discussions had been 'productive', adding that the governments have 'moved closer together' on an agreed position on legacy issues. 'Over the the work that's been taking place in recent months, we've moved closer together,' Mr Benn said. 'I think that's a very fair reflection as what has been happening and we're putting in all of this effort, the intensive discussion that our officials have been engaged in, the regular conversations that the Tanaiste and I have had is because we want to be able to find an agreement. 'Some of the issues are quite tricky – you wouldn't expect me to go into them in this press conference today – but we're putting the work in because we believe we'll be in a stronger position if we can find an agreement, and in the end, help to build confidence in arrangements that, in the end, are going to deliver the families. 'This is what it's all about. It is the families that we have to have in mind, and in particular, the many families I have met who are still searching for answers, in some cases after very many years, about what exactly happened to their loved ones. And we all have an obligation to find a mechanism that will finally give them the answers they have sought for so long.' He said he had agreed with Mr Harris to meet again before the end of May. Mr O'Callaghan described the meeting as 'productive and engaging'. 'We discussed a variety of issues, the main one which was legacy, but we also discussed security cooperation,' Mr O'Callaghan added. 'I was very pleased to be able to emphasise at the meeting the agreement that has been reached between the Irish government and the chairperson of the Omagh inquiry, which I think is a substantial agreement, a memorandum of understanding that I believe is going to provide an avenue to which documentary evidence will be provided by the Irish government to the inquiry. 'As well as discussing legacy, however, I think it's also important that we concentrate and focus on the other areas where there is excellent agreement between our two governments.' Meanwhile, Ms Anderson said an update was given on the UK Government's commitment to helping the Executive 'transform' public services. She also said security and other areas of cooperation were discussed. 'It's been a very positive meeting,' she said. 'The recent release of £129 million from the UK Government's £235 million transformation fund has been allocated to priority areas including health, education and justice, and we're keen to see positive change implemented for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.' The meeting follows the UK-Ireland summit in March when the two governments pledged to work closely to deliver security, investment and growth. At the time, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the relationship between the UK and Ireland had 'reset' following a 'turbulent' post-Brexit period.
BreakingNews.ie
24-04-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Governments will know ‘within weeks' if legacy agreement can be reached
The Irish and British governments will know whether they can reach an agreement on Northern Ireland legacy issues 'within weeks', the Tánaiste has said. Simon Harris said both governments are working in 'very good faith' to bring about an agreed position. Advertisement The Fine Gael leader made the comments following a meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (BIIGC) in Co Down on Thursday. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn and Tánaiste Simon Harris speak to media at the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference at Hillsborough Castle (Brian Lawless/PA) Mr Harris was hosted by the Northern Ireland Secretary at Hillsborough Castle for a series of talks on legacy, security and political stability. Hilary Benn and Mr Harris took part in the Anglo-Irish meeting, which focused mostly on legacy issues. The meeting was also be attended by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson MP and Ireland's Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan TD. Advertisement It was the first time the conference, which was established under the Good Friday Agreement, has been held in Northern Ireland since 2006. Mr Harris told reporters that the Irish government has always had two key tests when it comes to legacy. 'Firstly, is the mechanism compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights, and secondly, does it have the support of victims and their families. They are the two principles, the two tests that we're applying in our discussions,' Mr Harris said. 'I know you, Hilary, feel very strongly in relation to that as well. We are in the middle of a negotiation and a discussion, so I don't want to go through each issue, other than to say I think a lot of progress has been made on a lot of issues. But you are right. There is a moment in time where we have to call this for many reasons, including those that Hilary has outlined. Advertisement 'People are getting older. People are going to their grave still not knowing the truth in relation to the loss of their loved one. Parliamentary under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Fleur Anderson, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn, Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan (Brian Lawless/PA) 'I think we will know within weeks whether it is possible to have a joint position between the two governments or not. 'I really hope it is, and we're both working in very good faith to try and bring that about. But it is now a question in my mind of within weeks.' He said it was important for both sides to come to an agreement on what legacy mechanisms look like. Advertisement Describing their meeting as 'constructive', he said there were detailed discussions on the reform of the controversial Legacy Act and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR). 'I passionately believe, I know you do too, that this peace agreement, the Good Friday Agreement works best when the two governments pull in the same direction, and if at all possible, that's where we want to get to, where we could actually have a joint position in terms of a mechanism on the legacy of the past,' he added. Mr Benn agreed that their discussions had been 'productive', adding that the governments have 'moved closer together' on an agreed position on legacy issues. 'Over the the work that's been taking place in recent months, we've moved closer together,' Mr Benn said. Advertisement 'I think that's a very fair reflection as what has been happening and we're putting in all of this effort, the intensive discussion that our officials have been engaged in, the regular conversations that the Tanaiste and I have had is because we want to be able to find an agreement. 'Some of the issues are quite tricky – you wouldn't expect me to go into them in this press conference today – but we're putting the work in because we believe we'll be in a stronger position if we can find an agreement, and in the end, help to build confidence in arrangements that, in the end, are going to deliver the families. 'This is what it's all about. It is the families that we have to have in mind, and in particular, the many families I have met who are still searching for answers, in some cases after very many years, about what exactly happened to their loved ones. And we all have an obligation to find a mechanism that will finally give them the answers they have sought for so long.' He said he had agreed with Mr Harris to meet again before the end of May. Tanaiste Simon Harris (Brian Lawless/PA) Mr O'Callaghan described the meeting as 'productive and engaging'. 'We discussed a variety of issues, the main one which was legacy, but we also discussed security cooperation,' Mr O'Callaghan added. 'I was very pleased to be able to emphasise at the meeting the agreement that has been reached between the Irish government and the chairperson of the Omagh inquiry, which I think is a substantial agreement, a memorandum of understanding that I believe is going to provide an avenue to which documentary evidence will be provided by the Irish government to the inquiry. 'As well as discussing legacy, however, I think it's also important that we concentrate and focus on the other areas where there is excellent agreement between our two governments.' Meanwhile, Ms Anderson said an update was given on the UK Government's commitment to helping the Executive 'transform' public services. She also said security and other areas of cooperation were discussed. 'It's been a very positive meeting,' she said. 'The recent release of £129 million from the UK Government's £235 million transformation fund has been allocated to priority areas including health, education and justice, and we're keen to see positive change implemented for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland.' The meeting follows the UK-Ireland summit in March when the two governments pledged to work closely to deliver security, investment and growth. At the time, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the relationship between the UK and Ireland had 'reset' following a 'turbulent' post-Brexit period.
