Headline: Irish Taoiseach Says Relations With Burnham Government Have Made ‘Very Good Start'

Date: 18 September 2026

Tags: UK Politics, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Good Friday Agreement

Summary:

• Taoiseach Micheál Martin said UK-Ireland relations under Prime Minister Andy Burnham had made a “very good start”.

• Martin became the first international leader to visit the government’s new headquarters in Manchester.

• Burnham and Martin discussed the Good Friday Agreement but did not hold detailed talks about Irish reunification.

• Their meeting followed Donald Trump’s recent comments expressing support for a unified Ireland.

• Martin stressed the importance of passing legislation addressing the legacy of Northern Ireland’s Troubles.

• London and Dublin have been working closely on proposed changes, with further details expected next month.

• Both leaders want Northern Ireland’s power-sharing institutions at Stormont to operate more effectively.

• Burnham is currently seeking agreement with the Stormont executive over Northern Ireland’s budget.

• Burnham said Britain and Ireland would continue working together as co-custodians of the Good Friday Agreement.

• Martin also supported closer UK-EU relations, arguing stronger cooperation would benefit both Ireland and the European Union.

Why this matters: Britain and Ireland share responsibilities under the Good Friday Agreement and play central roles in Northern Ireland’s political stability.

What’s next: Both governments will continue discussions on Troubles legislation, Stormont reforms, Northern Ireland’s budget and wider UK-Ireland cooperation.