Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Rishi Sunak enters No. 10 Downing Street at a time of real strain between our two islands. That strain is caused by the Tory Government's orchestrated undermining of the Good Friday Agreement and its persistent attacks on the protocol. This self-serving agenda has seeped into the stability of Government and power-sharing in the North. The Tories facilitated the DUP in using the protocol as pretext for its boycott of the political institutions following last May's election. The appointment of a new British Prime Minister can bring an opportunity for a real step change in how Britain engages with Ireland and with our European partners. This can be a chance for a fresh start. The question is whether it will be.

We need to see relationships based on good faith and a genuine desire for real progress. For our part, we have contacted Downing Street seeking a meeting with Mr. Sunak as soon as possible. The new Prime Minister must put a focus and energy into ensuring the implementation of the protocol, the ironing out of outstanding issues and getting the Executive in the North back up and running. The protocol is widely supported. It is working. Of course, if can work better and we want to see that happen sooner rather than later. Time is of the essence. The six-month deadline to form an Administration expires on Friday. Sinn Féin stands ready to form an Executive for all and ready to work with others to shape a better future. It is with this objective in mind that the assembly will sit tomorrow.

Our message to the DUP is clear. It must end its boycott, join with us and work with us together in an Executive to tackle the cost of living, fix the health service and make people's lives better. Caithfidh aontachtas a thuiscint nach ionann blocáil an fheidhmeannaigh i mBéal Feirste agus riail dhíreach ó Londain. Is é an t-aon rogha eile ná socrú údaráis idir Stát na hÉireann agus stát na Breataine. Political unionism must understand that wrecking the institutions of Government will not usher in direct rule from London. If the restoration of the Executive in Belfast is blocked indefinitely by the DUP, the only alternative will be an arrangement of joint authority between the Irish State and the British state. This is in line with the position taken in 2006 by the Irish and British Governments when facing a deadlock situation. Fractured relationships serve nobody. We need partnership and a commitment to make politics work in the interests of the people.

I know the Taoiseach will speak with the new British Prime Minister this evening. I very much hope the Dáil can maintain a unified stance on the important matters ahead. I have no doubt he will make clear to Mr. Sunak that the British Government is a co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and must play a constructive role in implementing the protocol through a negotiated settlement. No doubt the Taoiseach will make clear that the North's democratic institutions must be restored as a matter of priority and, in the event they are not, that direct rule from London is off the table. Have those in the Irish Government engaged with their British counterparst to prepare for joint authority arrangements should the formation of an Executive continue to be blocked? Can the Taoiseach tell us what stage those preparations are at?

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