LAST UPDATE | 11 Jul

TÁNAISTE MICHEÁL MARTIN and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn have met at Hillsborough Castle this evening.

Ahead of the meeting Martin told reporters that the stability of the Northern Irish institutions, British and Irish relations, the Legacy Act and a shared island will be on the agenda.

Benn was Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary and retained this position following Labour’s landslide election last week.

This evening was their first official meeting, since Benn became Northern Ireland Secretary, and comes as officials in both London and Dublin have expressed a need to “reset” relations.

Speaking to reporters before the meeting today, Martin said he was feeling “positive” about the future of the relationship between the British and Irish governments and that his main focus is re-establishing the “speed accord” of the Good Friday Agreement.

“I do believe we have an opportunity the advance the situation on a wide range of issues. To deal with the Legacy [Act] issue – on an amicable basis – and work towards that.

“But also to update the Secretary of State in respect of the Shared Island and the impact that is having on a lot of projects and communities cross-border,” Martin said.

The UK’s controversial Legacy Act, which offers a limited form of immunity for perpetrators of Troubles crimes, was the key issue discussed between the ministers today.

Benn previously said a Labour government would restore legacy inquests and the ability for Troubles victims to bring civil cases. He added that a Labour Government would remove a controversial part of the Act designed to provide conditional immunity for some Troubles offences.

The Irish Government launched an interstate legal case against the UK, claiming that the Legacy Act breaches the European Convention on Human Rights. That case is still to be heard.

Speaking to Sky News on Sunday, Taoiseach Simon Harris was asked if the government would drop its case against the UK and replied that “we need to take this on a step-by-step basis”.

Asked, ahead of the meeting this evening, if it is conceivable that Ireland would drop its inter-State case against the UK, Martin said that the issue will be explored this evening and reminded the media that there are mechanisms within the legal framework which will allow both Governments to resolve the matter out of court.

“We believe that the pressing issue on the Legacy [case] is to restore trust in the legacy framework for the victims and families of those who lost their lives in the atrocities. And it’s about the victims, the families. We have to restore trust. That is the key agenda item.”

The Tánaiste added: “I am positive there are opportunities here that both the British and Irish Governments can exploit and I’m confident that, if we work together, we can advance reconciliation  – that is my key agenda in the time ahead.”

Funding for Casement Park, earmarked to host Euro 2028 games, was also on the meeting agenda.

Benn last week pledged that Casement Park will be rebuilt “one way or another” but added that it was uncertain if the stadium would be completed in time for Euro 2028. He also remarked that Casement Park was “probably the most urgent issue” on his desk.

After the meeting today, Martin said with both Governments working “in partnership”, they can help Northern Ireland “realise its full potential as a prosperous, peaceful and reconciled society”.

“A strong British-Irish relationship is good for all the people of these islands,” he added.

Includes reporting by Muiris O’Cearbhaill