Speaking at the start of the summit, Mr Martin said work between the two Governments to deal with the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles “personifies the benefits of our relationship”. Sir Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheal Martin arrive at Fota House in Cork (Cathal McNaughton/PA)A separate energy connector between Northern Ireland and Ireland aims to lower electricity costs on the island. “We can go further and we have the ambition to go further on defence and security, that is really important. The Prime Minister is joined by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds and Business Secretary Peter Kyle. Sir Keir and Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn met the region’s political parties on Thursday.

Source: The Herald March 13, 2026 13:15 UTC