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An Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Prime Minister May spoke by phone this morning.

They discussed the outcome of the UK general election and the Prime Minister outlined the proposed supply and confidence arrangement between her party and the DUP. The Taoiseach indicated his concern that nothing should happen to put the Good Friday Agreement at risk and the challenge that this agreement will bring.

He also noted the absence of any nationalist voice in Westminster following the election.

Both leaders agreed that of immediate concern were efforts to establish an executive as soon as possible, with exploratory discussions with the NI parties to take place tomorrow. They discussed the meeting between the Minister for Foreign Affairs Charlie Flanagan and Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire which is scheduled for tomorrow.

On Brexit, they noted that negotiations were scheduled to begin, as previously planned, later this month, with the Taoiseach reiterating Irish concerns.

The Taoiseach stated that there should be an early meeting between the Prime Minister and his successor Leo Varadkar and wished her well in the challenges that now lie ahead.