As the tumultuous tenure of Sir Keir Starmer comes to a close, one legacy stands out amidst the chaos: his efforts to reboot Britain's relationship with Northern Ireland and the Republic. A 'lasting love' for the region, instilled during his time as human rights adviser between 2003 and 2008, guided his approach to rebuilding ties with Dublin – an endeavour welcomed by Taoiseach Micheál Martin's government after years of strained Anglo-Irish relations.
The unique circumstances surrounding Starmer's premiership allowed him to focus on these diplomatic efforts, rather than the immediate challenges faced by his Conservative predecessors. Unlike Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak, who each inherited a suspended Stormont, Starmer benefited from restored power-sharing arrangements in Belfast.
His government's 'reset' approach was driven by a desire to strengthen relations with the Irish government, which viewed Starmer favourably due to his Labour Party affiliation and distinct political stance. This new era of cooperation was marked by the Prime Minister's commitment to repeal contentious legacy legislation, including the development of a new Legacy Commission building on the work of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
The Legacy Commission would have had independent oversight, supported by An Garda Síochána, aiming to address the painful legacy of the Troubles. Furthermore, Starmer maintained his position that he would campaign for Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK in any Irish reunification vote – a stance he reinforced after ruling out initiating such a poll.
While Starmer's tenure was marked by significant diplomatic efforts, his departure from office was unrelated to these matters. Nonetheless, his legacy on Northern Ireland and its relationship with both Britain and Ireland will be closely scrutinised in the coming months and years, offering a glimpse into what might have been had his leadership continued.
Starmer's connection to the region and its people remains, as does the lasting impact of his efforts to rebuild bridges between the UK and Ireland. Whether these endeavours will endure beyond his tenure remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Sir Keir Starmer's approach to Northern Ireland has left a lasting impression on the UK's relationship with the island.