The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Theresa May urged to join Northern Ireland talks
ConCern: Worries that progress could be damaged by her ‘laissez faire approach’
Labour MPs have urged the Prime Minister to join talks in Northern Ireland amid concerns that her “laissez faire approach” could damage progress.
Former shadow Northern Ireland secretary Vernon Coaker led calls for Theresa May and Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny to join discussions on forming a new power-sharing executive after talks stalled.
His concern was echoed by Conor McGinn who questioned why Mrs May had not visited Northern Ireland after recent trips to Wales and Scotland.
However, Northern Ireland secretary James Brokenshire rejected the calls and said both leaders were deeply engaged in the process.
Mr McGinn told Mr Brokenshire: “The perceived laissez-faire approach of the Prime Minister does you no favours.
“The Prime Minister was in Wales last week, Scotland this week. She should go to Northern Ireland with the Taoiseach, convene these talks and find a resolution sooner rather than later.”
Owen Smith, a special adviser during the Northern Ireland peace talks, said the presence of the Prime Minister could add weight to discussions on the future of Northern Ireland.
Mr Smith (Pontypridd) said: “History does show that the engagement of the Taoiseach and the Prime Minister is the way in which we intensify those talks and bring about resolution.”