BRITISH-IRISH RELATIONS:TAOISEACH BRIAN Cowen said yesterday that he called DUP leader Peter Robinson to commiserate with him on the loss of his Westminster parliamentary seat in East Belfast.
Speaking yesterday in Dublin, Mr Cowen said that Mr Robinson had made a great contribution to the affairs of Northern Ireland as First Minister.
“I think it is an important part of the process that he is now indicating that he will continue on in that position . . . I’m very happy to see that he intends to continue to play a role because he has made a great contribution in recent times, particularly.” He said it was a matter for the Northern Assembly to decided whether Mr Robinson would continue in office.
“I note what he said to say in his public pronouncements last night that he was determined to continue on as First Minister, and I would obviously welcome the fact that he is of that mind because he has made a great contribution to the process in that capacity.”
Mr Cowen said it was too early to comment on the overall outcome of the British general election. He said the relationship between the Irish and British governments was as good now as it has ever been historically, especially in relation to the North.
“I don’t want to pre-empt how matters are going to turn out there. As you know, there is no party with an overall majority as things stand. These are internal matters for the parties at Westminster to consider . . . The Irish Government looks forward to working with whatever incoming British government is decided upon.”
Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny congratulated the SDLP on its success in retaining its three seats.
He also offered commiserations to Mr Robinson over the loss of his East Belfast seat. “His defeat was a reflection of how tough and uncertain electoral politics can be in reality,” said Mr Kenny.
On the overall results of the British general election, Mr Kenny said: “It is imperative that a stable government can be established as soon as possible in the interest of the financial markets and the wider economy.
“The people have spoken. It is now up to politicians to interpret what is being said and make it work in the interests of the people.”
Mr Kenny was also critical of the over-emphasis on the impact of new media and set-pieces during the campaign.
“Despite all the hype about televised debates, opinion polls and new media, this election has reinforced the fact that elections are about the will of the people. That will must be respected.”
Labour leader Eamon Gilmore also congratulated the SDLP, singling out leader Margaret Ritchie for guiding the party to three seats, including her own success in South Down.
Turning to the wider context, he said the shape of the new government was not certain, but it was clear that many Labour MPs had lost their seats.
“Whatever the composition of the new administration, it is important that good relations are maintained between the British and Irish governments,” said Mr Gilmore.
