Minister Flanagan in Belfast for political talks

Charlie Flanagan TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, travels to Belfast today (Wednesday) for a series of political and community engagements. In his first working visit to Northern Ireland since his appointment, Minister Flanagan will meet with First Minister Peter Robinson and with deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness. 

In advance of those meetings, he will meet with Secretary of State Theresa Villiers to discuss how best to bring the political parties in Northern Ireland back to talks aimed at addressing key outstanding issues.

Speaking ahead of his trip, Minister Flanagan said:

“I’ve been in regular contact with party leaders and with Secretary of State Villiers since my appointment.   I will be in Belfast to see how best we can ensure the effective functioning of partnership government within the Northern Ireland Executive , including the early resumption of the Party Leaders’ Talks on flags, parades and dealing with the past.   Whilst the last month has been relatively peaceful, clearly contentious issues such as parading and flags continue to have an effect on community and political relations”.

In addition to political talks, Minister Flanagan will meet with a number of community leaders involved in grassroots work across Northern Ireland .