Tensions simmered between Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, as they publicly disagreed on the prospects for a united Ireland following their discussions in Belfast. Their discourse laid bare the profound discord concerning the refreshed deliberations for the as-of-yet hamstrung Stormont executive.
The widening gap in the Anglo-Irish relations couldn’t have been more evident. The bone of contention was an event designed to promote over €1 billion in new cross-Border funding. The event saw Varadkar and Heaton-Harris clashing over the nature of political discussions and the UK’s contentious legacy Bill.
These verbal skirmishes came into the limelight mere days after Varadkar voiced on RTÉ that he anticipated the dawn of a united Ireland within his lifetime. This remark resonated as a counterpoint to the claims Heaton-Harris made within the hallowed halls of the House of Commons, boasting of substantial forward momentum in the talks to resurrect powersharing.
However, the Stormont executive continues its extended suspension since last February, a result of the Democratic Unionist Party refusing to partake in powersharing over their objections to the post-Brexit trading agreements. Meanwhile, a discernible breakthrough remains elusive. Varadkar expressed his skepticism regarding a potential swift resolution.
“The secretary of state must understand that there is a point of no return, beyond which we can’t keep biding our time. Discussing alternate arrangements within the boundaries of the Good Friday Agreement may become inevitable,” Taoiseach Varadkar warned.
His comments, though shrouded in subtlety, were a clear admission that the agreement did not explicitly provide for a conjoint authority over Northern Ireland under London and Dublin.
Varadkar, in a press conference, asserted his right to express his views on a united Ireland, a statement which prompted a reactive rebuttal from Heaton-Harris. In a meeting with reporters later, the Northern Secretary commented, “Despite the brewing domestic politics the Taoiseach is dealing with, his comments made in Dublin are often perceived as detrimental by the unionist community here. I need everyone’s absolute cooperation to revive the executive.”
When queried about these controversial comments, Heaton-Harris vaguely referred to “the ones covered recently in the press,” without further elaboration.
Varadkar refuted the notion of him being a “unionist bogey man”, as he put it. “I am the Taoiseach. Articles two and three of our Constitution voice a longing for unity. So, my aspiration towards unity shouldn’t surprise anyone,” he retorted.
Their encounter took place on the sidelines of an event which celebrated a release of funds from Britain, Ireland, the EU, and northern authorities. The €1.14 billion “Peaceplus” programme was designed to foster peace, reconciliation, and economic growth. However, the unionist parties were conspicuous by their absence.
Adding to the discord, the Northern Secretary denied twice that the Taoiseach had requested him to “pause” the legacy Bill — a piece of legislation offering a conditional amnesty for the Troubles-era killings. This stance contradicted Varadkar’s claims, hence, keeping the air fraught with tension.
The two remained steadfast in their disagreement. Heaton-Harris maintained, “No pause was asked for; however, concern was voiced,” while Varadkar countered, “I have again implored the UK government to put the bill on hold.”
The unexpected approach by Mr Heaton-Harris perplexed Dublin. “Considering the collaborative nature of our previous meeting, his comments left us surprised. Especially since Mr Varadkar highlighted in his remarks the importance of preserving the unionists’ British identity in a united Ireland,” a government source mentioned.
While talks continue to falter, Varadkar warned of the looming necessity for a “plan B” in the event of failure to reestablish the executive. However, Heaton-Harris contended that discussing a plan B was counterproductive and that all energies should be channeled to revive the executive.
When prompted about the Northern Secretary’s declaration that talks for DUP’s return was progressing, Varadkar conceded, “If there is movement, it is painstakingly slow. My conversations with representatives of the five major parties here hint at a dwindling confidence in the possibility of a positive outcome.”
The Taoiseach plans to explore the issue further in an upcoming meeting in Spain with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak early next month. He stressed the urgency of the situation, “We can’t wait indefinitely. If the executive fails to form, we may need a contingency arrangement. This is a dialogue I wish to have with the Prime Minister.”
