I’ll keep pushing ‘Shared Island’ strongly: Martin
TAOISEACH Micheal Martin has said his Shared Island Unit is the “nuts and bolts” of the Good Friday Agreement.
The initiative was launched earlier this year following Mr Martin’s accession to the top job in the Republic.
Although criticised by Sinn Fein, who pressed for planning to start for a united Ireland, Mr Martin stressed the importance of the unit for improving relations.
Mr Martin has rebuffed Sinn Fein’s calls for a border poll, saying it is not on his government’s agenda.
He said there has been progress with projects, including the Ulster Canal as well as the Sligo-enniskillen Greenway, while funding has been provided for an all-island railway network study, particularly in terms of the feasibility of high-speed connectivity between the major cities.
Another element of the unit is an all-island research hub that will involve engagement with universities through competition for research funding to delve into issues such as cyber-security.
“We’re also looking at projects around climate change and biodiversity,” he added.
“And again, any new ideas that come forward, there is substantial funding available now as a result of the budget.
“It’s €500m (£451m) over the next number of years that can be ring-fenced for these projects, that has never been there before.”
The Taoiseach said he is keen on pushing the unit.
“To me, it’s the nuts and bolts of the Good Friday Agreement, of the North-south relationship,” he said.
“And the Shared Island is something I am pushing very, very strongly.
“And I think ultimately it may result in easing tensions and giving people a sense of comfort in dealing with the Republic on issues of this kind, and that’s been my agenda and ambition in relation to it.”
Meanwhile, giving his view on the often tense relations within the Stormont Executive, Mr Martin said he feels the coronavirus pandemic has brought them together.
“It’s difficult with five parties around the table, it has to be acknowledged,” he said.
“There are tensions there between the two main parties from time to time but I think, in some respects, it has to be acknowledged that Covid did more to unite and cement the Executive maybe than people would have thought prior to Covid happening.
“That has to be acknowledged as well, that despite the difficulties and despite the tensions, the Executive has worked in very difficult circumstances in response to Covid-19.
“But we will do everything we possibly can to support what they’re doing in the North, to work with our colleagues in the North in terms of facing this challenge.”