The Oval Office 2025 has become a fascinating and volatile court, so the Taoiseach might expect one or two curveballs coming his way
Micheál Martin's decades of experience and cool temperament might just be required during his White House visit. Photograph: Nick Bradshawcorrectly observed during his recent television interview on The Late Late Show, when the conversation turned to the diplomatic intricacies of his upcoming White House visit.
One of the most outrageous moments of Zelenskiy’s torrid half-hour came when a reporter asked him if he “owned a suit”. So, in addition to navigating his way through a freewheeling meeting and communicating the key messages he wishes to convey to the Trump administration, Martin might expect one or two curveballs coming his way. In short, it won’t be dull.“Trump represents a huge change. But the Irish know him. And there are great opportunities there too.
A year ago, the message Leo Varadkar imparted to the Biden administration on Gaza and Ukraine formed the centrepiece of the visit. Now, Micheál Martin finds himself the next head of state to visit the White House since the contentious Zelenskiy meeting. That’s the prism through which anything the Taoiseach might state should be channelled. But as John Feehery argues, there is limited value in using up precious Oval Office minutes offering general foreign affairs positions.
“Look at Robert Kennedy – from the most prominent Irish American family in America – has become a Republican. And there are a huge number of Irish Americans not only within the party but elected who really like Ireland and have a nostalgic attachment to it. They want to find ways to go back to Ireland and feel welcomed and comfortable and part of that is a charm offensive by the Irish embassy.”
The looming issue of tariffs, as well as Ireland’s controversial corporation tax and the trade surplus statistics that have triggered several members of the Trump negotiating team, are also obstacles to be cleared.
Donald-Trump Us Emmanuel-Macron Keir-Starmer Volodymyr-Zelenskiy Republican-Party Leo-Varadkar Gaza-Strip Ukraine-Crisis Eu Israel Jd-Vance Pete-Hegseth Democratic-Party
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How should Micheál Martin approach his White House visit?Inside Politics podcast with Hugh Linehan
Read more »
Analysis: Contradicting Marco Rubio phone call could be a misstep by Simon HarrisDisputing the phrase ‘trade imbalance’ creates a potential difficulty for Micheál Martin in White House
Read more »
Macron, Merz and Micheál Martin plot ways to fill gap left by US on UkraineCabinet meets today before Dáil returns, with resumption of weekly speaking row likely
Read more »
Micheál Martin to take part in European leaders' call on Ukraine talksSecond discussion among wider group of European leaders and Canada organised by French president Emmanuel Macron
Read more »
Justine McCarthy: Micheál Martin should go to Washington and remind Trump what Ireland stands forMerrion Street’s promised “charm offensive” will have as much traction as water on a duck’s back in the madness of the court of King Trump
Read more »
Mary Lou McDonald Reacts to Micheál Martin's 'Liar' Remark in IrishThis article details the heated exchange during Leaders' Questions in the Irish Dáil when Taoiseach Micheál Martin was accused of calling Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald a liar in Irish. The incident sparked a furious reaction from Sinn Féin TDs, particularly Pearse Doherty, who defended the new Ceann Comhairle, Verona Murphy, who doesn't speak Irish fluently.
Read more »