Taoiseach Micheál Martin has remarked that Ireland would stand to gain if the UK successfully negotiates a favorable economic deal with the United States.
He noted that while it is still “early days” regarding the likelihood of such an agreement, he generally believes that any improvement in the UK economy would positively impact Ireland.
When asked if Ireland should have a role in any UK-US discussions concerning an economic deal—especially considering the trading arrangements in Northern Ireland established by post-Brexit agreements between the UK and EU—Mr. Martin acknowledged the complexities involved.
Northern Ireland is subject to EU customs rules under arrangements intended to maintain an open land border on the island of Ireland.
In response to a question about whether he would encourage UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to consider Northern Ireland’s situation in any negotiations with US President Donald Trump, Mr. Martin stated that the UK Government is “very conscious” of these matters.
Mr. Martin expressed that Ireland is collaborating with the EU to “facilitate and ease” post-Brexit trade barriers with the UK.
“The situation concerning UK-US discussions is still uncertain,” he shared with reporters.
“However, from Ireland’s perspective, I hold the view that if the UK thrives, Ireland will also prosper economically, as our economic relationship is crucial.”
Additionally, Mr. Martin reaffirmed Ireland’s efforts alongside the EU to “facilitate and ease” the economic obstacles stemming from Brexit on trade with the UK.
Read more: Relief for Taoiseach after successful White House visit; Oval Office strategy appears effective, but trade war threats persist.
“Ireland’s economic relationship with Britain remains very strong,” stated the leader of Fianna Fáil.
“It is an extremely important market for us, and therefore, if the UK economy improves—regardless of the circumstances—Ireland will reap the benefits.”
Mr. Martin highlighted the significance of the recent UK-Ireland summit in Liverpool, indicating that it may lead to enhanced cooperation on offshore wind energy initiatives.
O’Neill’s absence from the White House visit is labeled a ‘big mistake.’
Simultaneously, the Taoiseach expressed that Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill’s boycott of the St. Patrick’s events in Washington DC was a “big mistake.”
Mr. Martin opined that this decision was “not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland,” emphasizing the “huge efforts” that were made during the early stages of the peace process to support Sinn Féin.
Last month, Ms. O’Neill expressed her inability to travel to Washington DC while the US administration was “threatening to annex and steal” from the Palestinian people.
While Ms. O’Neill attended a business event in Carolina last week, she chose to return home instead of participating in the Washington DC events.
Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly from the DUP did attend the Washington events and had lunch with Mr. Trump at Capitol Hill.
The Alliance Party and SDLP also boycotted the White House gatherings in protest of actions taken by the US president.
During an interview on the BBC’s Sunday Politics program, Mr. Martin was asked if he considered Ms. O’Neill’s refusal to attend Washington a missed chance.
“Yes, I believe it was a big mistake,” he replied.
“I met with Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who was with me at the lunch on Capitol Hill and spoke with President Trump.
“I believe it was a wrong decision, considering the significant efforts made at the outset of the peace process to include Sinn Féin.
“Many put in significant effort to achieve that.”
He added: “I found it a bit opportunistic and not in the best interests of the people of Northern Ireland or the entire island of Ireland for Sinn Féin to essentially boycott Capitol Hill this year.”
A spokesperson for Sinn Féin responded: “The decision not to travel to the White House was not made lightly; it was made with an awareness of our individual responsibility to speak out against injustice.
“We are all deeply saddened as we witness the suffering of the Palestinian people and the recent statements from the US president regarding the mass expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza—something we cannot overlook.”
