Simon Harris installation as Taoiseach marks new chapter in North/South relations

Over the years the relationships between various Taoisigh and NI politicians have had their ups and downs.

Bertie Ahern’s drive and ambition, and his ability to work closely with PM Tony Blair, were universally acknowledged as key to delivering the Good Friday Agreement.

On the other hand, Mr Harris’s predecessor Leo Varadkar was less appreciated in unionist circles. His use of a newspaper front page depicting the scene of an IRA bombing of a customs post to warn of the potential danger of a hard border particularly sparked their anger.

With the Stormont institutions operating again, the new Taoiseach will be happy he does not have to spend energy in the short time left before the next general election in the Republic trying to get them back up and running.

In his previous cabinet roles the new Taoiseach has had some involvement with NI issues. As health minister he funded medicine places for Republic of Ireland students in universities in Belfast and Derry, but other than that obvious instances where he involved himself in NI affairs were few and far between.

Since it became clear he would be the next Taoiseach, however, he has taken the opportunity to indicate how much, or little, he will focus on NI, and the signs so far are positive.

Speaking during his first address as Fine Gael leader last week, Mr Harris said co-operation on the island of Ireland is “precious”. He added: “I am determined to work together on a north-south, east-west basis to improve the lives of everyone across these islands.”

He has also attended a meeting of the North/South Ministerial Council, a body designed, among other things, to foster the relationship between the two governments.

During his inaugural speech as Taoiseach in the Dail yesterday, Mr Harris only touched upon NI briefly.

“Yesterday I met with the First and deputy First Ministers in Northern Ireland and as Taoiseach I pledge to guard and honour my role as protector and guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement,” he said. “We have so much more to achieve for all communities on this island.”

With a general election south of the border in less than a year, there are plenty more immediate, local priorities which need his attention.

That Northern Ireland is down that particular list should be taken as a positive for now.