Irish PM: Smith was ‘one of Britain’s finest’

AXED Northern Ireland secretary Julian Smith described his role as “the biggest privilege” after he was sacked yesterday .

Mr Smith was chopped from Boris Johnson’s cabinet, despite helping to end the three-year stalemate in the country and return Stormont to full power-sharing again last month.

The outgoing Irish taoiseach Leo Varadkar described Smith as “one of Britain’s finest politicians of our time” on social media, while others have raised concerns that his departure signals a shift for the Prime Minister.

It is thought that Boris Johnson may want someone in the role who will take a harder stance on ending the “vexatious” prosecutions of military personnel involved in the Troubles.

Arlene Foster, the northern Irish first minister and DUP Leader said she spoke with Smith yesterday to “thank him for his help in getting devolution restored.”

She added: “We may not have always agreed (we did sometimes) but his dedication to the role was incredible. Best wishes to him and his family. Always welcome in Fermanagh.”

Mr Smith wrote on Twitter: “Serving the people of Northern Ireland has been the biggest privilege. I am extremely grateful to

Boris Johnson for giving me the chance to serve this amazing part of our country. The warmth & support from people across NI has been incredible. Thank you so much”

Replacing Mr Smith as Secretary for State for Northern Ireland will be Brandon Lewis, who was until yesterday the security minister. Despite the new role being a promotion, sceptics have suggested the job may be an attempt by Johnson to sideline him.

Lewis said: “I follow fantastic colleagues as predecessors, whose work I hope we can continue to build on.”