Has Ireland Lost a Key Ally with Sir Keir Starmer’s Departure?

Sir Keir Starmer hosted Taoiseach Simon Harris at Chequers in 2024, pledging a reset in British-Irish relations. As Starmer steps down, Irish ministers praise his tenure while assessing the prospects of successor Andy Burnham amid ongoing legacy issues.

Starmer Hosts Taoiseach Simon Harris at Chequers

On 21 July 2024, under bright sunshine at Chequers, the British Prime Minister’s countryside residence, Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Taoiseach Simon Harris for a significant meeting. The two newly appointed prime ministers shared a light moment in the Hawtrey Room, accompanied by their closest advisors, including UK chief of staff Sue Gray and cabinet secretary Simon Case.

During the meeting, Starmer recounted a story about acquiring a Donegal jersey while on his honeymoon in Ireland, noting that he still wears it when playing five-a-side football. In return, Harris presented Starmer with a brand new Donegal jersey as a ceremonial gift.

The meeting marked the first official hosting of an international leader at Chequers under Starmer’s premiership, with Ireland chosen as the guest. Both leaders agreed to establish an annual British-Irish summit, the latest of which was held in Cork in March 2024.

They jointly pledged a "reset" in the British-Irish relationship, which had deteriorated significantly during the Brexit process.

Prime Minister of Ireland Simon Harris and his British counterpart Keir Starmer hold up their respective national soccer team's shirts with their names on their opposite team's shirt at Farmleigh House, in Dublin. — Image caption, Harris and Starmer pledged a "reset" in the British Irish relationship, which had suffered during Brexit

While former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made attempts to revive relations, domestic pressures limited his success. Starmer’s Labour Party aimed to rebuild ties with EU member states, including Ireland, a key former ally. However, Starmer faced domestic distractions, notably the growing Peter Mandelson affair and the former Ambassador’s connections to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Will Starmer Be Missed?

Ministers from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael who engaged with Starmer and his officials over the past two years provided positive assessments in interviews with BBC Northern Ireland.

They commended Starmer’s firm stance on Ukraine and the European Union, highlighting that he "didn't fall out with anyone" or "give in to Trump's bait."

"Starmer did nothing wrong. Brexit has put them up the swanny," said one Fine Gael minister.

One Fianna Fáil source compared the state of the British economy at the start of Starmer’s tenure two years ago with its current condition.

All agreed that Starmer will be "missed," though there is concern in Dublin that domestic challenges, such as the Reform party’s pressure and economic issues, may occupy Andy Burnham’s attention, potentially sidelining Irish affairs.

Sir Keir Starmer and Simon Harris. They are both smiling in celebration. Starmer has grey hair, wearing a dark blazer and white shirt. Harris has grey hair, wearing a navy blazer and white shirt. — Image caption, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael ministers who dealt with Starmer over the past two year have paid tribute to him

What Does Dublin Think of Andy Burnham?

Andy Burnham is poised to become the UK’s next prime minister following Sir Keir Starmer’s announcement of his resignation.

One source described the differences between Starmer and Burnham as being separated by a "cigarette paper," cautioning that Burnham’s initial appeal may diminish quickly.

Burnham has met Taoiseach Micheál Martin on several occasions, both in Dublin government buildings and in Manchester, where Burnham serves as mayor.

Burnham and his team are considered already close to Ireland. Louise Haigh, a key figure in Burnham’s campaign during the Makersfield by-election and former shadow Northern Ireland secretary during the latter stages of Brexit, is noted for her extensive connections with Irish politicians. She previously served as transport secretary and is expected to hold a senior cabinet position under Burnham.

Burnham also has Irish heritage; his great-grandfather Edmund "Ned" Burke emigrated from Drogheda, County Louth, to Liverpool in the late 1800s.

Andy Burnham. He has dark hair, wearing glasses, a black blazer and black t-shirt. — Image caption, Andy Burnham is on course to become the UK's next prime minister after Sir Keir Starmer announced he was stepping down

Legacy Issues in the British-Irish Relationship

The legacy of Troubles-era incidents remains the primary complication in the British-Irish relationship, according to one source.

The 2023 Legacy Act, introduced by the previous Conservative government, granted conditional immunity to some perpetrators of Troubles crimes in exchange for cooperation with the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).

The Labour government has since proposed new legislation in Parliament, with MPs voting to repeal the conditional immunity provision.

Although London and Dublin agreed on a joint framework, the government’s Troubles legacy bills have yet to pass the House of Commons, and Dublin perceives the issue as not being a UK priority.

While there is hope that the improved relations with Ireland will continue, domestic and national priorities may take precedence for the new prime minister.