Newly appointed French Prime Minister Michel Barnier, best known in Ireland as the EU chief Brexit negotiator, was described on Thursday as a “great friend” by Taoiseach Simon Harris.
Mr Barnier was tasked by President Emmanuel Macron with forming a “unifying government in the service of the country” likely to be made up of members from across the political spectrum.
“I have been in contact with Michel Barnier this afternoon to congratulate him on his appointment,” said Mr Harris.
“Michel is well known to the people of Ireland for his role leading the negotiations for the EU during Brexit. He is a committed European, a great friend of Ireland’s, and a politician of substance and experience.
“I wish him well as he takes up his role at this important time and I look forward to working with him, with President Macron, and the Government of France.”
The snap general election ended with no party in overall control, with the leftist NFP coalition winning 182 seats,
Mr Macron’s centre right alliance on 168 and the far right RN bloc on 143. Mr Barnier’s own grouping traditional right wing group came fourth with 47.
Mr Barnier, at 73 about to become the oldest prime minister in France’s recent history, was first elected to parliament in 1978, aged 27. He is seen as a “steadying hand” following the election and a sustained period of political turmoil.
