By Peter Walker Political correspondent
Politicians on both sides of Irish border applaud Julian Smith after cabinet dismissal
The dismissal of Julian Smith as Northern Ireland secretary just over a month after he oversaw the resumption of the Stormont assembly has prompted concern about the loss of a minister seen as diligent and trusted at a crucial and potentially perilous time for the region.
It also brought some effusive tributes to his work, with the taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, calling Smith “one of Britain’s finest politicians of our time”. Varadkar tweeted: “In 8 months as Secretary of State, Julian, you helped to restore powersharing in Stormont, secured an agreement with us to avoid a hard border, plus marriage equality.”
Source: Irish PM says sacked Northern Ireland secretary ‘one of Britain’s finest’
Category: Northern Ireland, Ireland, UK news, Politics
