UK PRIME MINISTER Theresa May has reassured ministers in Northern Ireland that she does not want to see a border reinstated between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Visiting Stormont for the first time as prime minister today, May said:

…We’ve had a common travel area between the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland before either was a member of the European Union.

Nobody wants to return to the borders of the past. What we do want to do is find a way through this that is going to work, deliver a practical solution.

May described the talks with First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness this morning as “constructive”.

She said she recognised the “particular circumstance” Northern Ireland finds itself in, as it has a land border with the Republic. She said all parties were keen to find a solution that would be in the best interests of Northern Ireland.

The UK prime minister said Northern Ireland was a “valued part” of the UK.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May is greeted by First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. PA Wire / Press Association Images PA Wire / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Before travelling to Northern Ireland, May said in a statement that she would lead a government that works for every part of the UK.

“I want to assure the people of Northern Ireland that I will lead a government [that] works for everyone across all parts of the United Kingdom, and that Northern Ireland is a special and valued part of that union,” said May.

I have been clear that we will make a success of the UK’s departure from the European Union. That means it must work for Northern Ireland too, including in relation to the border with the Republic. We will engage with all of Northern Ireland’s political parties as we prepare for that negotiation.

Cross-border relations with the Republic of Ireland are a prime concern for Northern Ireland in Britain’s departure from the European Union.

It is the United Kingdom’s only land border and would become its only frontier with the EU when Britain leaves the bloc.

With reporting from Christina Finn and  © AFP, 2016

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