Taoiseach Micheál Martin has declined to comment on the possibility of Rishi Sunak becoming the next British Prime Minister.
He noted how quickly things could change in the UK as he stated that Ireland would work with whoever is elected the next Conservative leader.
It is expected that Mr Sunak will beat his party colleague Penny Mordaunt to become the next Prime Minister.
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It will be announced this Monday afternoon which MPs have received 100 nominations and will appear on the ballot paper. A new Prime Minister is expected to be announced by the end of the week.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson pulled out of the race on Sunday evening.
At the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Cavan, the Taoiseach was asked what impact Mr Sunak would have on EU relations if he was appointed.
However, he declined to comment.
“That election process isn't over yet and I'm not going to preempt it,” Mr Martin said.
“If we've learned anything, things can happen within hours and that could change that dynamic.
“But I do look forward to meeting the new British prime minister as quickly as possible and to engage with the new British Prime Minister in respect of these issues.
“It's very important that there's a strong relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom Government, particularly in the context of the very severe geopolitical environment that we're living in.
“I would like to think, and I want to say to the outgoing Prime Minister Liz Truss, that the mood music had certainly changed in the aftermath of the election in terms of engagement with Europe.
“We want to maintain that sort of momentum and then to have substance in negotiations between Europe and the United Kingdom that would lead to a meaningful resolution of the issues around the protocol.”
During his speech, the Taoiseach said that it has been a “difficult period in British Irish relations”.
“I speak at a time of political change and some uncertainty in the United Kingdom as we look at the prospect of a third British Prime Minister this year,” he said.
“I wish them well in the challenging times ahead.
“While recognising that Brexit has fundamentally changed the relationship, I am clear that the UK remains an important partner for us given our trade and intertwined economies, our ties of family, history and culture and our shared commitment to democratic values and norms.”
Mr Martin also said that it is “essential” for the DUP to take their seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly so that the Executive can be stood back up.
If it is not, there is a risk that an election could be held on December 15.
“The simplest way to avoid an election is for the DUP to take up their seats,” the Taoiseach added.
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