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TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has said that following his meeting with the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak this evening it is clear the UK Government is keen on getting a negotiated settlement done on the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Speaking to reporters in Blackpool where both leaders are attending the British-Irish Council Summit, Martin said it was agreed that with elections in Northern Ireland pushed out, there is now a “good window of opportunity here to get this issue resolved”.
Sunak said he was committed to strengthening UK-Irish ties and wanted to find a “negotiated solution” to the Northern Ireland Protocol.
The European Union and the UK Government are now “very determined to engage, to work through this, to see if we can get an agreement”, the Taoiseach told the media.
“And I’m very clear after the meeting that the UK Government and Prime Minister is very, very keen on getting a negotiated settlement that works. Then that in itself then would facilitate stability in terms of the political situation in Northern Ireland, and restoration of the Executive and the Assembly,” he said.
‘Mood music improving’
He didn’t want to get into timelines, but the Taoiseach said the “mood music is improving”.
There are many issues that the UK and Ireland are both grappling with, such as the crisis in Ukraine, the rising cost-of-living, as well as the energy crisis, said Martin.
“So, the context then is, we do not need this issue to linger on, to continue to be a source of tension and also a factor in political instability in Northern Ireland. So therefore, there’s a clear win win for everybody if we can get this issue negotiated, allowing EU-UK to develop and grow stronger constructive relationships, to tackle the bigger issues,” he added.
Taoiseach says Sunak is keen on getting a negotiated settlement done. pic.twitter.com/kLh4GzOg18
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) November 10, 2022
Sunak is the first UK prime minister to attend a British-Irish Council meeting in 15 years.
Speaking after the meeting with the Taoiseach, Sunak said the Protocol is having a real impact on the ground on families and on businesses in Northern Ireland.
He said it is “threatening Northern Ireland’s place in the United Kingdom and I want to resolve that”.
“I’m deeply committed to the Belfast Good Friday Agreement, I want to see the institution’s back up and running in Northern Ireland, because that’s what the people in Northern Ireland need and deserve. I discussed this with Taoiseach, we had a very positive meeting.
What I want to do is find a negotiated solution preferably and I’m pleased with the progress that we’re making in these early days in this job. And my focus is to try and find a resolution here, get the institution’s back up and running and that’s how we’re going to deliver for the people in Northern Ireland.
‘Good will and pragmatism’
Sunak said he is “confident” that “with goodwill and pragmatism” a solution can be found.
When asked what the compromise might have to be, the Taoiseach told the media that there are areas that are “challenging” but the two leaders didn’t get into the overall detail of what the negotiated resolution might look like.
“That’s a matter for the EU negotiators and the United Kingdom negotiators. But I think we all understand the issues and the challenges. I don’t understate the task that is ahead,” he added.
“Both the Prime Minister and I agreed together that we would remain very focused on this now in making sure we can get a deal as quickly as possible,” said Martin.
Ahead of the meeting this evening, the UK Prime Minister and Taoiseach joked about having just met in Egypt at COP27.
Martin said he had flown through the night, for 36 hours in all, to take Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil, and Sunak said he had a similar experience.
Sunak said the British-Irish Council was very special and the gathering was all about friendship.
The British Prime Minister told Martin that the British-Irish Council meeting was “particularly important as we approach the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement” next April.
Rebuilding relationships
He said he had spoken before about the importance of the Council and the need to build on the special relationships within.
“It’s a very significant decision by him to come here and it’s one that I welcome. He took the earliest opportunity to engage with me and we appreciate that,” the Taoiseach said.
Those in Government circles said there has been a “welcome change of tone” in both Anglo-Irish relations and EU- British relations.
The hotel, where the summit is taking place, is set against the backdrop of ‘The Big One’ roller coaster in Blackpool.
Many puns have been made today about the “ups and downs” in the relationship between Ireland and the UK in recent years.
Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney has previously said that UK-Irish relations were at an all-time low. However, with a new prime minister, particularly one that turns up to a summit that has taken nearly two decades for his predecessors to attend, it is hoped there can be a step-change.
A better relationship?
So, is this the first step on the road to a better relationship between the UK and Ireland?
While the Taoiseach said he hadn’t noticed the massive roller coaster outside the hotel, having arrived when it was dark outside, he appreciated the comparison being made with Irish-UK politics, stating that “at the best of times” politics “can go up and down… that is the nature of politics at times”.
However, despite the highs and lows that Brexit has brought the UK and Ireland, the ties between the two countries will always be there, he said.
“One of the things that struck me today was when I was in Manchester again meeting the mayors of both Liverpool and Manchester – the strength of the relationship between Ireland and Britain is very deep – it is familial, cultural, sporting political, economic.
“So that relationship is a very strong one. And I think that draws the political relationship inevitably back to the centre, and that’s what I sensed this evening of the meeting with Rishi Sunak. He understands that and that’s something we need to build on.”
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I hope Chandler Bing is not still there
15 Yemen Road, Yemen is right in the thick of it :/
Could it BE anymore in the middle of it?
White house agenda. Pay the rebels, when they grow strong enough they themselve kill the gov. Bring their own head of state.
Thats called killing 2 birds feom one stone
This is coming at a convenient time. With the NSA experiencing unprecedented pressure to stop it’s totalitarian spying programs we suddenly have this, a terror alert from them warning of a possible terrorist attack. Wow, there suddenly the heroes if a bomb does go off.
If am attack dies happen it will be by Islamic terrorists who have been armed by the US as has been documented with the Benghazi consular attack incident where it’s been proven the CIA were providing missiles to Al Qaeda elements in Syria.
An attack on US citizens in Yemen is entirely justified from a Yemeni national perspective. Hundreds of innocent Yemeni nationals, including women and children, have been slaughtered by US drone strikes.
I think it’s called Karma.
“An attack on US citizens in Yemen is entirely justified from a Yemeni national perspective.”
Clarify that statement. You could’ve said an attack on US military personnel would be justified but you didn’t – you said citizens.
Do you believe that Yemeni terrorists are justified in killing innocent US members of the expat community, people who have no say in the US drone policy or spying programs?
@ Emmet,nothing like a bit of exaggeration to keep the keyboard Jihadi’s happy. I’m not exactly an admirer of the Obama chappie but lets stick to fact. Seoirse does some amusing comments to be fair :-)
wait til ya see the fireworks being let off in pressure cookers again and patsies being rolled out using weapons of mass destruction (distraction)!!
@Seoirse
Your hatred of the US is pretty clear from all your posts on the Journal, but I didn’t think it would go as far as condoning the murder of innocent civilians.
Re Emmet.
You are entirely right. I would not condone the killing of innocent people. I was suggesting in a hypothetical situation, where if one was to use the reasoning of the US government then it would be entirely justified. I should have made that clear.
I for one would be against a terrorist attack, however the US dies carry out many terrorist attacks on a weekly basis.
One cannot argue with the reality of the situation.
Re Mattoid.
Hate is a very strong choice of word by you. I do not hate the US. There are some very nice people there. I do intensely dislike many of the actions of the US government, you are certainly correct with that assumption.
Gearóid. In reference to your comment about pressure cookers and patsys I assume you are referring to the Boston Bombing. Tell us are you clairviont? Can you predict the future? As I believe the trial has yet to start as yet. And as the rest of us that don’t have your inside knowledge of what the defence will be maybe you can tell us what he plans to say in his defence.
The US has been routinely killing innocent civilians for past 50 + years – from Vietnam , Iraq , Afghanistan , Yemen -Chagos islands etc etc etc , aslo of course Hiroshima , Nagasaki killing them by the million by sanction and by bomb .
They have no interest in disarmament – or peace – they are warmongering Terrorists – and the proof is there for anyone to see .
This article is well worth a read by Noam Chomsky
http://www.zcommunications.org/a-roadmap-to-a-just-world-people-reanimating-democracy-by-noam-chomsky
American government is so predictable, after weeks of bad press regarding the NSA here they come with a much publicised move to try and justify it
Or maybe it’s the truth? You don’t know and I don’t know.
But there’s nothing to stop anyone speculating or giving their opinion or deducting what could be maybe probably be the truth – or not.
the american government, it’s “partners” and all else connected to the machine wouldn’t know the truth anymore if it walked right up to them and sat down in front of them. just look what they do to those who speak or expose the truth. wise up, these parasitic crazy lunatics are way beyond trusting anymore!!
The Russian government dictate their truth
The North Koreans, all other dictators, despots and religious led states make up their truth
The British are positive that they know the truth – ditto the French!
The Germans own a truth
The Italians dont give a toss
The Greeks got caught out
The Scandavians say nothing.
The Brazilians, Chinese and others are buying a cover truth.
We haven’t a clue.
Its a mad old world.
Its just as well some of The Journal readers have a handle on it all.
@paul
What they are doing is scaring their population into conformity rather than using reasoning
I am not implying that Russia, North Korea etc are right, they’re worse!
Western society has moved on from using dictatorship and religion to control populations and now they are trying terror. It will work up until the ordinary citizen calls their bluff
@paul great comment, some people on here are so paranoid and think they are they only ones who can see what’s going on all the time
Baaaaaaahh
Maybe the dear leader Kim Jong un or the Russians are more to your likeing.
I take it youre off to Yemen on your hols so Niall!
The anti-Americans are in full spate today bless ‘em
The wearpon of choice in Yemen is the Kalashnikov and other armaments come from Iran. If you are reading this ,thank a teacher.If you are reading this in English then thank the US and British armies.
If you’re reading this from under a pile of rubble alongside your kids, thank Obamas drone program.
Did the British and american army teach you English?
That Could explain these anomalies:
“wearpon” , “other armaments come from Iran”, ” this ,thank a teacher”.
@Jonny [Jonny ???] Anything relevant to add ?
இந்த வாசிப்பு, நீங்கள் வீணாக்க அதிக நேரம்.
Thats easy for you to day J. Dunn.
And not easy for me to *say :)
And stay out!
well said
Confirmed US drone strikes: 47-57
Total reported killed: 243-358
Civilians reported killed: 15-52
Children reported killed: 2
Reported injured: 62-144
http://www.thebureauinvestigates.com/category/projects/drone-data/
You conveniently left out the column underneath the information you posted…
Possible extra US drone strikes: 82-101
Total reported killed: 290-464
Civilians reported killed: 23-48
Children reported killed: 6-9
Reported injured: 81-106
If you’re going to shill for the US/Israel, try doing a better job
I also left out the entire website for convenience but now you have the facts from real Journalists to cherish and share with all your little friends and if I had not posted the link then you would all still be wandering about in the dark.
So, up to 100 civilians dead civilians including 11 children. Thats the fact you want to wave around?
How many dead children is it accptable for your beloved USA to kill in Yemen?
Typo: should be”How many children is it accptable for your beloved USA to kill in Yemen?”
Way too many definitely, but blows the oft-cited “99% of drone strike victims are innocent civilians” myth out of the water.
Thats a new one on me. If its oft-cited you should be able to provide some links.
Any links matt?
Up that to 4 more Jihadi’s
The US drone strike has killed at least four suspected al-Qaeda fighters in Yemen’s eastern Marib province, a tribal source has told the AFP news agency.
The raid targeted their vehicle “and turned it into a ball of fire, immediately killing the four, all of whom are Yemeni”, the source said on Tuesday.
AFP and other news sources.
Re Mortica.
‘suspected’ is the word.
What about habeus corpus?
Although as the US government has recently removed that right too with the overturning of a provision in the NDAA
Sorry, morticia, you didn’t answer the question. How many children do you think its ok for the US to kill in yemen while hunting for terrorists?
Werejammin. I noticed in your reply to Morticias post you said “Possible” Drone Strikes. Now correct me if I am wrong but does Possible not mean Unconfirmed. So as they are Not Confirmed Drone Strikes they cannot be added to the original statistics.
@ Mick Jordan, have you noticed how your chum there likes to misquote me and indulge in wishful thinking as to what he would have liked me to say? Its a form of projection indulged in by so many Alinsky fans :-)
L.O.L. Morticia I doubt very much he would call me his Chum nor would most of those in the Anti US camp. To them I am the complete polar opposite to what they believe.
“@ Mick Jordan, have you noticed how your chum there likes to misquote me”
If you’re referring to me can you post your original quote and then my misquote please….
@Werejammin
All you have to do is read the comments sections on various US foreign policy related stories on The Journal to realise how often this fallacy is peddled.
I’ve called people out on it on at least half a dozen occasions over the past few months.
I’m not defending drone strikes btw, just trying to highlight the misinformation.
American gobsh!tes! Electing a big eared idiot just because he is black and then he turns his nose up at everyone amd spues on them and tries to pick himself up with this crap. Muppets Muppets and more Muppets. And that goes for all the rest of you irish fools who supported him too
@ Patch, are we allowed to mention his 12 years as a Moslem with one of his stepfathers in Indonesia? He used that bit himself in his strange autobiography to help in his plans.
For every bad drone attack that ends in civilian collateral damage there are a thousand of attacks that didn’t happen to save innocent lives or property! Mosque’s for example are not targeted even when used as a launching point for attacks! On the other hand Islamist will bomb Mosques or churches when the know the religious houses are packed with women and children. Is the US perfect no but war is not a tea party!
This comes so soon after we find out about the NSA spying, that it just seems like a total bullshit thing they want to push to try and prove spying works.
Our correspondent says that a security source confirmed that Yemeni intelligence services had discovered that dozens of al-Qaeda members had arrived in Sanaa over the past few days from other regions in preparation for the implementation of a large plot.
The source described the plot as dangerous, and suggested it was to include explosions and suicide attacks aimed at Western ambassadors and foreign embassies in Yemen, in addition to operations aimed at the Yemeni military headquarters.
BBC
In 2010 the jihadi threat from Yemen was becoming obvious and those of you who are expert on the subject will of course remember Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab ‘ the Underwear Bomber’ who was trained and sent from there. He is just one of the many suicide bombers dispatched from Yemen, not much new there at all.
Morticia , is that the same underwear bomber who was witnessed by an airport employee walking to the check in gate with a well dressed Indian looking man , the airport employee thought they were strange looking travelling companions so he stayed within earshot , only to hear the Indian looking guy insist the underwear bomber be allowed to board the flight even though he didn’t have a passport , when the girl at the check in queried this , the Indian looking man got upset claiming ” just let him on the flight , we do this type of thing all the time ” . The next thing we knew it was an attempted terrorist attack and the full body scanners were wheeled out .
And not just by an airport employee but by some of the passengers also , a quick you tube search will provide you with CNN reports confirming the same and eye witness interviews with the passengers . All claiming the same thing , so they must be lying I suppose or just mistaken . WAKE UP people .
John. “Indian Looking”. Could he have been Pakistani by any chance? Considering that they are both from the Sub Continent and look the same.
Of course he could mick I’m just quoting what the eye witnesses said , when the checkin girl told him he would have to speak to her manager , that was the last she had to do with it and like I said earlier the next thing we knew it was an attempted terrorist attack . It’s also worth pointing out that the underwear bomber didn’t speak at all , it was this other guy doing all the talking . Do you really think mick that if a nervous looking young African man rocked up to a check in desk with no passport to board a U.S bound flight he would be allowed to board under normal circumstances . U.S intelligence have said they were watching him hoping he would lead them to bigger fish , so a guy they’re watching rocks up to an airport with a bomb strapped to him and manages to get on board a plane without a passport . Can you see where this Is going mick , do you think maybe the sub continental looking guy might have been his handler , or can you provide a better explanation . As you said maybe he was Pakistani , which in my opinion would set off alarm bells and certainly not help him get on the plane with no documentation .
John I cannot speak for someone not following procedure. If the Manager/Supervisor in question failed in his duty as you claim to alert security that something was amiss then he should face the consequences.
So that’s your answer , please mick don’t insult both of our intelligence
Ok. Now that I have had some sleep lets look at this situation.
Your claim is the the underware bomber is a set up to increase airport security and to scare people. Now Edward Snowden claimed he had access to “Everything’ the CIA and NSA were up to correct? Yet if the government were involved why has he not released probably one of the most Damming and Damaging files against the US government. One of two reasons. A) There is no file and no plot or (B) He hadn’t as he claimed access to everything and lied about having complete and total access.
have your say