Taoiseach Urged To Act On NI Govt Talks

Labour Party Leader Brendan Howlin has called on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to initiate new cross-party discussions aimed at restoring government to Northern Ireland.

The Wexford TD said the only enduring and ultimately worthwhile response to the murder of Lyra McKee last week would be the restoration of the Good Friday institutions.

He commented: "While undoubtedly the cross party horror at Lyra's death is genuine, it seems clear that fresh agency will be required to generate the only enduring response: the restoration of the Good Friday institutions. As joint guarantors of the Agreement, the people responsible for generating that agency are the two Governments.  

"Due to the complete lack of leadership from Sinn Féin and the DUP, I am calling on both Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney to make immediate contact with the British Government with the sole purpose of bringing the parties together.

"Given the mutual horror displayed by the DUP and Sinn Féin leadership at Lyra's tragic death this does not necessarily require an intermediary, but let us be clear that if the Governments believe that necessary or helpful to any talks it should be sourced.

"The first step now is clear. It is for the Governments to act by bringing the parties together. Then it is the responsibility of the parties to end the political vacuum in Northern Ireland which is the source of ongoing problems."



(JG/MH)