No honeymoon for Chris Bryant at Northern Ireland Office

21 Jul 2026, 12:22 by Vincent Kearney, https://www.facebook.com/rtenews/ · RTE.ie

Hilary Benn was a shock departure from the British government's team at the Northern Ireland Office.

While not afraid to pick fights, such as on the controversial issue of how to deal with the legacy of the Troubles, the Labour stalwart had gained the respect of the majority of political parties at Stormont.

The Irish Government was a huge fan, crediting him with helping to rebuild British-Irish relations after a series of abrasive Conservative ministers.

His successor Chris Bryant will quickly discover that political honeymoons don't really exist in Northern Ireland.

Sinn Féin, the DUP and others were out of the blocks very quickly to offer advice on how he should approach the job.

The MP for the Welsh constituency of Rhondda and Ogmore since 1986 has demonstrated the kind of steely reserve he'll require.

The former Anglican priest quit the Church of England in 1991 over its stance on homosexuality, saying he could not remain a member as a gay man. Later, he and his husband celebrated the first civil partnership in the Palace of Westminster.

Chris Bryant will face demands for extra financial resources for Northern Ireland

Legacy issues

How to deal with the legacy of the Troubles is the most politically challenging and sensitive issue he has inherited from Hilary Benn.

His predecessor's approach to the issue has been widely criticised by political parties and victims' groups, and they will all see his appointment as an opportunity to re-open the debate and press for a change in approach.

Demands for additional money for the Stormont Executive will also be high on the wish list of the local parties.

The parties at Stormont seldom agree on anything, but when it comes to money they have repeatedly pointed an accusing finger at Westminster, accusing it of short-changing Northern Ireland and being responsible for failings and shortcomings in its health service and other areas.

A VAT cut on household electricity bills announced by new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will bring an immediate focus on the financial issue.

The cut, from 5% to 0% in October, will not apply in Northern Ireland due to post-Brexit arrangements.

Instead, the Stormont Executive has been told it will get extra money from the UK government to use on cost-of-living measures.

The strong likelihood is that local politicians will argue that the figure is not sufficient and that the public should not have to wait until October for financial assistance.

'An EU fanatic'

Chris Bryant will also have to carefully navigate an increasingly fractious relationship between Sinn Féin and the DUP at Stormont.

The personal relationship between First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly has been turbulent for some time now, and the parties are increasingly clashing on a wide range of issues.

A Downing Street spokesperson said Mr Burnham had calls with the first minister of Scotland, the first minister of Wales and the first minister and deputy first minister at Stormont today.

Chris Bryant will have to tread that minefield carefully.

His stance on Brexit adds further spice.

The fact that he was a committed Remainer, and has made it clear that he remains so, will sit well with Sinn Féin and the SDLP, but not with unionists, as the debate over the impact of the Irish Sea Border rubbles on.

Jim Allister, leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice, took to social media to brand the new Northern Secretary as "an EU fanatic" who he said could not be expected to stand up for Northern Ireland "against EU colonialism in this part of the UK".

Mr Bryant was quick to respond, replying: "Jim, I look forward to working with you for a strong Northern Ireland in a strong United Kingdom."

The new man at the NIO has a reputation as someone who is not afraid to be combative or to speak his mind.

Those attributes are likely to be put to the test very quickly.