First North-South talks for new governments

North-South Ministerial Council - Meeting at Farmleigh

Government ministers and their northern counterparts, led by Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy Minister Martin McGuinness, are meeting in Dublin for the first North-South Ministerial Council between the two new administrations.

Mr Kenny and his ministers travelled to Farmleigh by coach in what has become a familiar image of the new climate of political austerity.

Both administrations have more than their share of problems but their mandates look secure so it will be a chance to build relationships that could last half a decade.

There is little that is contentious on the agenda.

The new DUP Health Minister has dispelled uncertainty about cross border cancer services in Derry’s Altnagelvin hospital. The Transport Minister here remains committed to funding the A5 through the North to Donegal.

With Mr Robinson pushing for a low corporation tax rate to match that in the Republic, there may be some comparing of notes on the issue.

Overall, though, this meeting will reflect the remarkable normalisation of cross border political links in recent times.