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Cross-border talks on Ireland's economic revival

Monday, 6 July 2009

The potential for cross-border co-operation to pull Ireland out of the economic crisis will top the agenda at the latest North/South Ministerial Council today.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen will host Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the plenary meeting in Dublin. Mr Cowen signalled the focus would be on the economy and the opportunities to work together to put the entire island on a better footing.

“There is no doubt that both parts of this island are facing unprecedented economic difficulties and challenges,” he said.

“However, for the first time in our history, as a result of the peace process, we are in a position to work together to face those challenges.

Ten Irish government ministers and eight Stormont ministers will also review major cross-border projects, including roads and telecommunications, as well as preparations to deal with swine flu. The talks at Farmleigh House in the Phoenix Park will be the fourth plenary meeting of the Council since the Northern Ireland institutions were restored.

Mr Cowen said it will be a further opportunity to review the excellent progress already made.

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Fergal, why plus could the same be said of "A union between NI and the Irish Republic would never be an alliance of equals."?

This outta be good.

Posted by mick | 08.07.09, 11:38 GMT

Mr.Mickeee, We do we live on the mainland! Mainland Ireland. Politics aside, I bet you were no good at geography. The mainland is Europe. Both Ireland and Britain are islands of that mainland. The North / South meeting is about Ireland. There is an East / West meeting that takes in Ireland, Britain, Isle of Mann and Channel Islands. Cooperation is also about respecting other Countries. The Republic of Ireland is helping Northern Ireland improve its roads and infrastructure.

Posted by John | 07.07.09, 08:46 GMT

Mickeee
A union between Ireland and britain would never be an alliance of equals.
Ireland would always be the junior partner or worse the subordinate like
Northern Ireland is now, a colony. It would never work. And Britain is a
Seperate island and nation not the mainland of Ireland. Britain is the mainland of the
Isle of Wight.

Posted by Fergal C. MacShane | 06.07.09, 19:12 GMT

“There is no doubt on an island of six million people, there are great benefits to be gained from working together and improving value for money in a wide range of areas, from joint infrastructure projects to providing better public services"

Why stop with just Northern and Southern Ireland? Further "co-operation" with the mainland should be the agenda too.

Posted by mickeee | 06.07.09, 11:40 GMT

INTERREG were totally inept despite absorbing serious expenditure at having any effect upon economic improvement along border -they should be disbanded.

Posted by Malachy McAnespie | 06.07.09, 08:56 GMT

A rare bit of common sense from politicians. It's no wonder Ireland has
Had so much poverty and economic chaos in it's history. It only makes
Sense that a small country should get it's people to pull together instead
Of tearing themselves apart. Some form of united Ireland will benefit
All people of this island. Instead of looking for handouts from UK,EU.
It will make a stronger nation for all. Remember(Divide and rule).

Posted by Fergal C. MacShane | 06.07.09, 04:55 GMT