Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on the resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on the resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

• From: Department of the Taoiseach

• Published on: 22 June 2026
• Last updated on: 22 June 2026

I wish to convey my best wishes to Prime Minister Keir Starmer following this morning's announcement of his resignation.

I want to acknowledge the significant role Keir played in resetting the Irish-British relationship as well as relations between the UK and the European Union during his time as Prime Minister.

Since Keir took office two years ago, he has worked with us to set a new direction and depth in the relationship between Ireland and the UK, for the benefit of all our citizens, north-south and east-west.

Our two Governments also took an important step forward in dealing with the legacy of the past in Northern Ireland publishing a Joint Framework on addressing the legacy of the Troubles.

Keir is a person of great ability, decency and honour and I want to wish him, his wife Victoria and their family, very well in their next chapter.

I have no doubt that his successor as Prime Minister will wish to continue to deepen and strengthen the relationship between the UK and Ireland, and we will continue to work in furtherance of that objective.

ENDS