British Prime Minister Theresa May has asked the Queen for permission to form a new government, despite losing her majority.
The election she called just over seven weeks ago has resulted in a hung parliament – rather than the stronger Tory majority she was hoping for.
It looks likely she’ll work with Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionists, but her unexpectedly narrow win could have big impacts on the economy and on Northern Ireland.
Clare Fm’s Gavin Grace reports:
Theresa May is to remain in office for now following the completion of a deal with The Democratic Unionist Party.
The DUP won 10 seats in the election which pushes Mrs. May’s coaltion over the 326-seat figure required for a tiny majority.
The UK Prime Minister has visited Buckingham Palace this lunchtime to seek permission to form a government, despite losing her majority.
She says it will provide “certainty” and guide Britain through the Brexit negotiations.
After her meeting with the Queen she addressed the media at Downing Street.
This election has been a disaster for the Conservative Party and Theresa May, who sought to strengthen her negotiation position with the EU over Brexit.
Those talks are due to begin on the 22nd June, and there are concerns as to how the new coalition will deal with Brexit.
The President of the European Commission says the UK’s election result is one of ‘particular importance’.
Jean-Claude Juncker has reacted to news of a hung parliament, while speaking at a conference in Prague this afternoon.
Here, the Taoiseach in waiting says the British Government doesn’t now have a strong mandate for a ‘hard Brexit’.
Leo Varadkar says the results of the UK election indicate there’s no strong mandate to proceed with this, and that’s an opportunity for Ireland.
Mr Varadkar also says restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive is also a priority, urging the parties to do so.
Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD is predicting another Brexit poll in the coming two years.
Deputy Timmy Dooley says all this election has done is muddy the waters even further.
But with the DUP involvement in propping up Theresa May’s government, there’s a danger they’ll play harder in the Stormont talks, that are due to resume next week.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams warns against that.
Meanwhile, last night’s result has led to calls to ensure Brexit negotiations go ahead as planned in 10 days.
Talks are due to get underway on June 19th and the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker says there must be no delay.
After meeting the Queen, Theresa May says they will work to deliver on the will of the British people by taking Britain out of the EU.
Clare Fine Gael Junior Minister for Jobs Pat Breen has been outlining his thoughts on how Brexit may be affected by the UK election result to Clare FM’s James Mulhall:
