Political leaders on both sides of the Border to discuss key issues Friday, July 30, 2021 By Cate McCurry, PA Political leaders from Northern Ireland and the Republic will hold discussions on a range of issues at the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) on Friday. They will address their handling of Covid-19 on the island as well as the implementation of the New Decade, New Approach agreement. Taoiseach Micheál Martin will host the 26th plenary meeting of the NSMC, which will take place by video conference. The Fianna Fáil leader will be joined by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and members of the Cabinet who will meet Northern Ireland First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill.