Taoiseach’s Visit to Stormont Marred by Clumsy Start
Simon Harris’s first trip north as taoiseach got off to a rocky start as his motorcade arrived at Stormont Castle to find no one there to greet him. The awkward situation was eventually resolved, but not without some embarrassment.
Choreography Mishap at Stormont Castle
Upon his arrival, there was no one to meet the Fine Gael leader, leading to an awkward moment captured by the assembled cameras. The issue was eventually resolved, but not before causing some embarrassment.
Agenda for the Meeting
Despite the initial hiccup, Harris met with the first and deputy first ministers to discuss areas of north-south collaboration and partnership, including projects earmarked for Shared Island funding. However, overshadowing the meeting was the ongoing row between the Irish and British governments over migration.
Migration Dominates Discussions
The ongoing row over migration between the Irish and British governments took center stage during the press conference following the meeting. Harris fielded questions related to the surge in asylum claims in the Republic and the UK’s controversial Rwanda deportation scheme.
Low-Key Visit Raises Questions
The visit was characterized by its low-key nature, with little attention given to Stormont’s restoration or other Northern Ireland matters. Some speculated that Harris appeared reluctant to engage on matters related to Northern Ireland, opting instead for a hands-off approach.
Implications for Future Visits
Given the subdued nature of this visit and with an election looming in the south, it’s unclear whether Harris will continue to prioritize visits to Northern Ireland. His approach differs from his predecessors, raising questions about the future of north-south relations under his leadership.
