Taoiseach Micheál Martin with US president Donald Trump in the Oval Office on St Patrick's Day. Photograph: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty ImagesOpposition parties have strongly criticised Taoiseach Micheál Martin over his failure to “call out” US president Donald Trump’s foreign policy during the St Patrick’s Day meeting in the Oval Office. Taoiseach Micheál Martin defended migration in Europe and UK prime minister Keir Starmer in a meeting with US president Donald Trump. “[Martin] did not represent the views of the Irish people, who are appalled at Trump’s lawless and belligerent presidency,” she said. Both strongly criticised the Taoiseach for saying Trump is “doing his bit” for peace in the Middle East.

Source: The Irish Times March 17, 2026 23:31 UTC