Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s Irish links – from Christy Moore to pints of Guinness

Andy Burnham has been around politics for years, but how will he fare with his nearest neighbours? Odds look pretty good.

Andy Burnham is proud of his Irish ancestry, he claims members of his family, including great grandfather Edmund “Ned “ Burke left Drogheda in the late 19^th century and moved to Liverpool.

A member of The Labour Party Irish society, he gained the Irish's public attention when he revealed that he listens to Christy Moore's song "Viva La Quinta Brigada" on his running and campaign playlists.

He said he was running to "Viva La Quinta Brigada" explaining the story of the Irishmen who fought against Franco's forces in the Spanish Civil War.

Speaking in Brussels last week, the Taoiseach Micheal Martin said Burnham has taken a “particular interest” in Ireland.

“I’ve met him on a number of occasions, he’s taken a particular interest in Ireland and he has come to see us on a number of occasions,” he said.

Burnham’s interest is “particularly on [the] economy, and in respect of his role as mayor in Manchester he was particularly focused on Irish economic policy and development."

The former Mayor of Manchester visited Ireland in March this year touring St George’s Market in Belfast with the SDLP and gave a speech at the Alliance party conference where he talked about how Westminster hadn’t worked for Northern Ireland.

He has been in Ireland on a number of occasions as a Labour MP and mayor. Meeting then-President Michael D. Higgins.

While there are no votes for Labour in Ireland, north or south, keeping relations with Ireland strong amid rising talks of Irish unity will be a priotity.

Burnham had previously expressed support for standing Labour candidates in Northern Ireland however this is unlikely to happen or have much success.

Like the majority of the people in the north and south, Andy Burnham is an advocate of EU membership and voted remain. However, has stated that rejoining the EU was not a priority.

Not the most important thing for a British PM but he is also known to enjoy a pint of the black stuff.