No option but to launch legal challenge against UK over NI Legacy Act – Varadkar

Leo Varadkar has said the Irish government was left with “no option” but to legally challenge the UK Government over laws on legacy issues in Northern Ireland.

The Irish premier said the “strong” legal advice was that the UK Legacy Act breached the UN Convention on Human Rights.

The Act received royal assent in September despite widespread opposition from political parties, victims’ organisations in Northern Ireland and the Irish government.

Ireland’s deputy premier and foreign affairs minister Micheal Martin said they were taking the case reluctantly after having spent time trying to change the UK Government’s mind.