Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
156. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if her Department is preparing briefs on the expectations in terms of Ireland’s relationship with the UK if Nigel Farage becomes the next Prime Minister; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38528/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland and the UK are longstanding, likeminded partners and neighbours. We are joined together by our shared history and geography, our people-to-people ties, and our mutually beneficial trade relationship.
Our bilateral relationship is also underpinned by our role as co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, under which Ireland and the UK are committed to working together for a prosperous and peaceful Northern Ireland.
The importance of this bilateral relationship is clearly reflected in our now annual Summits and the UK-Ireland 2030 Joint Statement, which sets out an extensive cooperation agenda between our governments, in areas such as research and innovation, security and defence, the delivery of critical infrastructure, preparing for the transition to a low carbon economy, culture and youth affairs.
Ireland and the UK cooperate extensively across international organisations and other fora, frameworks and institutions, such as the British-Irish Council, British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, and the British-Irish Parliamentary Association.
Cooperation with our closest neighbour is not dependent on any one political party or Government, and involves long-term commitments, vision and planning, and the involvement of stakeholders at every level, from grassroots level up, including industry, research and cultural institutions among others.
The Government is firmly committed to working closely with UK counterparts for the benefit of all citizens across these islands. The next UK general elections are not expected to take place until 2029. It would not be appropriate for the Government to comment on potential or future election outcomes in other jurisdictions.
