Irish Times view on Anglo-Irish relations: keeping sight of mutual interests
Criticism by unionists of Intergovernmental Conference meeting reveals potential for Stormont stand-off to infect relationship
Last week’s meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, was a step towards ensuring the positivity that developed in the course of the peace process is not allowed to wilt. Above, Minister for Justice Charles Flanagan (left) and Tánaiste Simon Coveney after the meeting in London. Photograph: Kirsty O’Connor/PA Wire
Relations between the Irish and British governments have become testy in the course of the Brexit negotiations. It is imperative that they are put back on a sound enough footing to withstand the inevitable tensions that will arise as negotiations between the European Union and the United Kingdom reach a critical stage.
Last week’s meeting of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), the first in 11 years, was a step towards ensuring the positivity that developed in the course of the peace process is not allowed to wilt in the face of current difficulties. The decision to hold another IGC meeting in the autumn was welcome and indicates both sides are determined to do their best to avoid a deterioration in relations regardless of what happens in the Brexit talks.