Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has stated that the announcement of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's intention to resign offers a chance to progress British and Irish relations in a positive manner.

Reflecting on the political landscape, the Sinn Féin leader noted that while the electoral outcome in Makerfield concluded his premiership, the broader political environment holds greater consequence. She pointed to recent electoral successes for Plaid Cymru and the Scottish National Party as evidence of the major role now played by pro-independence parties across Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, which she described as a direct challenge to the Union.

With politics shifting quickly across both islands, McDonald emphasised that Starmer's successor must acknowledge these evolving dynamics.

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD said: "The announcement today by Keir Starmer that he will step down as British Prime Minister presents the opportunity to advance relationships between Britain and Ireland in a positive direction. "The election result in Makerfield may have brought his premiership to an end, but the wider political picture is far more significant. The recent electoral victories of Plaid Cymru and the Scottish National Party press home the reality that pro-independence parties, including Sinn Féin, now play a hugely significant role in Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and present a direct challenge to the Union.

"Politics is changing rapidly in Britain and Ireland. Whoever becomes the next British Prime Minister must recognise these new political realities.

"As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in two years' time, we should recognise how far we have come. Peace is secure, and the next chapter in our national journey centres on constitutional change, the democratic pathway to Irish reunification, and a managed transition that demands strong British-Irish relations.

"Sinn Féin stands ready to work constructively with the incoming British Prime Minister. We will continue to press for the planning and preparation needed for constitutional change. The constitutional status quo is no longer sustainable. Partition has failed. Both the British Prime Minister and the Taoiseach have a responsibility to engage with these realities in a responsible, practical and direct way that shapes the future."