LAST UPDATE | 12 Sep

MICHEÁL MARTIN AND Keir Starmer have discussed what role Ireland could play in achieving lasting peace after a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The meeting between the leaders at Chequers, Starmer’s country house as the UK’s prime minister, also touched on Troubles legacy issues, British-Irish relations, and Gaza.

Speaking to media afterwards, the Taoiseach said he made it clear to Starmer that Ireland would be willing to be involved in peace monitoring and peacekeeping missions in Ukraine.

“We’ve been part of many peacekeeping missions around the world where we’ve been effective,” he said.

He referenced Chad and Lebanon as places where Ireland had successful missions.

“However, there is no sign that Russia is serious about cessation of the war,” he continued.

“We can see that in terms of the increased drone attacks and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure within Ukraine, which is shocking, and therefore, we will work with our European Union colleagues in terms of more sanctions.”

Aerial view of Chequers, the official country residence of British Prime Ministers since 1921. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Martin also said Ireland’s relationship with the UK has been “gaining momentum” and they’ll have another summit in spring, where they’ll put “flesh on the bones” of some joint initiatives.

Over the past year, the UK and Irish Governments have engaged in a process for “root and branch” reform of the controversial Legacy Act and the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

Martin said “very good progress” has been made on the issue of the Troubles’ legacy.

“Both governments are very close to being in a position to set out a new framework for legacy,” he said, adding that this will happen “shortly”.

“I think it’s a good concrete manifestation of the reset of relationships that has happened, and the Prime Minister has been very strong in terms of the relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom.”

Martin and Starmer also met in March in Liverpool in a new series of annual UK-Ireland summits, hailed as the “next chapter” in their relationship after having “turned a page on the turbulent years”.

Earlier this month, Tánaiste Simon Harris said the two Governments are “on the verge” of developing a framework.

On Gaza, the leaders discussed the need for a ceasefire, as well as a surge in humanitarian aid and the release of all hostages.

He said he hopes Israel “will come to its senses” and stop its “barbaric war”.