Taoiseach (or should that be “tea sock”) Micheál Martin has issued a statement regarding Truss’ announcement.
A number of Irish political leaders have issued statements responding to the resignation of Liz Truss as UK Prime Minister on Thursday (20 October).
Truss confirmed the news in a statement outside Number 10, with her resignation making her the shortest-serving Prime Minister in British history.
She served just 44 days in office, breaking the previous record set by George Canning, who died in 1827 after 119 days in office.
Following the announcement, Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin conveyed his “best wishes” to Truss and her family.
He stated that he had a number of opportunities to engage with her during her brief period as Prime Minister.
Statement on resignation of Prime Minister Liz Truss
— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) October 20, 2022
“Working together to protect the gains of the Good Friday Agreement and to support peace and stability in Northern Ireland continue to be vital responsibilities for the British and Irish Governments, particularly now in the absence of a functioning Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly,” Martin added.
“Substantive EU-UK engagement to reach agreement on outstanding issues around implementation of the Protocol is ever more urgent.
“Britain is Ireland’s closest neighbour and a relationship of partnership between the British and Irish Governments is vital for peace and prosperity on these islands.”
The Taoiseach said he remains committed to working with the British Government in this spirit.
Meanwhile, Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader Leo Varadkar wrote in a Tweet that Truss “made a difficult decision with dignity in very trying circumstances” and that he wished her the best for the future.
Liz Truss has made a difficult decision with dignity in very trying circumstances. I wish her the best for the future
— Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) October 20, 2022
More critical of Truss was Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald who said in a statement: “45 days of chaos and dysfunction at the heart of the Tory Party has ended with the resignation of Liz Truss.
“45 days that worsened an economic crisis and fuelled political instability in the north, while punishing ordinary workers and families who are struggling to heat their homes and put food on the table.
“45 days which laid bare the damage that Brexit has caused Britain politically on the international stage and which has deepened the conversation on constitutional change.
“This is a rudderless Tory government which has no mandate in Ireland.”
According to The Times, Boris Johnson will stand in the Tory leadership election 🫣
Full story ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/YDAGFiZ54Z
— JOE.ie (@JOEdotie) October 20, 2022
McDonald said Truss’ legacy will be “soaring mortgage payments, wrecking the economy, lifting the cap on bankers’ bonuses and working in the interests of the super-rich”.
She also stated that “only a locally elected Executive and Ministers working together will properly serve the interests of people here”.
“The clock is ticking with eight days left to restore the Assembly and form a government,” McDonald added.
“Sinn Féin is ready to form an Executive today that will put money in people’s pockets to deal with the cost-of-living crisis and start to fix the health service.
“The new British Prime Minister needs to ensure that the Protocol continues to create jobs and investment by protecting our businesses from the damage of Brexit.
“The DUP must now end its boycott of government and work with the rest of us to protect ordinary people from the damage caused by this inept and incompetent British government.”
Related links:
- Boris Johnson WILL stand in Tory leadership contest
- Liz Truss resigns as Prime Minister after just 44 days.
- Who are the favourites to be the next Prime Minister following Liz Truss’ resignation?
Main images via Leah Farrell / Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie.
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