Kenny raises ‘challenges ahead’ in phone call with Britain’s new PM

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has spoken with the new British prime minister Theresa May about the "strong relationship" between Ireland and the UK and the importance of forthcoming Brexit negotiations.

Congratulating Ms May on the day of her appointment, Mr Kenny took the opportunity to address key issues ahead for both governments, including support for the Northern Irish peace process and the progression of "areas of cooperation".

"We also discussed the important challenges that arise from the recent vote by the UK to leave the European Union, " Mr Kenny said in a statement on Thursday evening.

“I outlined Ireland’s key areas of concern and shared my perspective on the challenges that lie ahead in the forthcoming negotiations. We agreed to stay in touch and that we would meet each other in the coming weeks.”