Irish premier ‘working towards reconciliation and mutual trust’ in Belfast visit

Irish premier Micheal Martin has vowed to continue working towards reconciliation and mutual trust ahead of a visit to Belfast.

The Taoiseach arrived at Parliament Buildings at Stormont on Thursday morning ahead of a series of meetings with political leaders.

He was greeted at the door by Stormont Speaker Edwin Poots ahead of his first meeting of the day, with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Fein president Mary-Lou McDonald.

Later, he will mark the signing of a 700 million euro (£604 million) contract for a new fleet of cross-border trains, before delivering the Lord David Trimble Lecture 2026 at Queen’s University Belfast.

Speaking ahead of his visit, the Taoiseach said he is pleased to be returning to Belfast.

“My visit includes multiple opportunities to hear directly from political, business and civic leaders and to discuss ongoing and evolving all-island priorities which benefit us all,” he said.

“I am also pleased to be delivering the Lord David Trimble Lecture in Queen’s University. David played a critical role in the achievement of the Good Friday Agreement.

“The principles and purpose of the Agreement remain central to what my Government does and how we foster relationships across these islands.”

He added: “I am committed to continuing to work toward reconciliation and mutual trust, as we collectively set out to do in 1998, including through the Shared Island Initiative.”