Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
WHEN TAOISEACH MICHEÁL Martin meets US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, he will be walking a tightrope.
Martin faces pressure back home to speak bluntly about Ireland’s view on geopolitical issues, such as the US-led war with Iran. But others would prefer him to keep the head down.
He is not the first Taoiseach to face mounting pressure to raise international issues with the US president of the day.
Leo Varadkar and Simon Harris both faced strong calls to speak truth to power when it came to Gaza.
In 2024, pressure was on Varadkar to use the St Patrick’s Day visit to the White House as an opportunity to put forward the Irish people’s perspective on the conflict in Gaza. At the time, Varadkar said:
I’m not here to tell him off or tick him off.
“I’m here to talk to him to understand the American position and see if we can influence it in a positive way.”
That was when Joe Biden was in office.
The feeling is that Trump would not take constructive criticism well. Asking questions about his foreign policy choices might also poke the bear.
That is why Martin has been pretty clear since he arrived in the US about how he plans to proceed with Trump.
Basically, don’t be expecting Martin to put his head above the parapet.
Over the weekend in Philadelphia, Martin has been at pains to point out that this week is merely about the ties between Ireland and the US.
At multiple St Patrick’s Day events, he has spoken about the role historical Irish figures played in the formation of America 250 years ago.
Speaking in the Willard Hotel in Washington DC yesterday, the Taoiseach was on message again:
“Let’s reflect. This is a week in which what we’re essentially doing – and we had been doing for many, many years – is honouring, affirming, a very historic relationship between United States and Ireland that goes back to the very foundation of the US itself, in terms of the Declaration of Independence, the War of Independence here, and the role that the Irish played 250 years ago – a role that was very significant.”
A poster at the Irish ambassador to the US Geraldine Byrne Nason’s residence on Sunday night was prominent in the lobby stating: “Ireland and the making of America.”
What does this all add up to? A serious charm offensive from the Irish government with a key message: We’ve helped form this nation, we’ve been friends for 250 years.
And the underlying message under all of that: Please don’t do anything to damage Ireland.
He repeated this message at a business leaders luncheon yesterday, stating that in “an uncertain world, your voice matters”.
“A strong transatlantic relationship is essential. In a period of global volatility, our shared interest is stability, rules, and certainty for investors.
“Ireland will continue to play its role as a bridge between the US and Europe. We will continue to advocate for close EU-US engagement, because when America and Europe work together, we help shape a global economy that is more resilient, more innovative and more secure,” he said.
He added one final request to the business leaders: “If you see a barrier or a challenge in how you operate – in regulation, skills, mobility, supply chains, or the practicalities of doing business – tell your contacts in Team Ireland so we can identify what we can do about it and how we can plot a course forward together.”
This is the theme to the St Patrick’s Day trip this year: You scratch our back, we’ll scratch yours and for the love of God, don’t do anything to knock our economy off kilter.
Unlike speeches delivered by other taoisigh, such as Varadkar, there has been no mention of any world conflicts – at all.
Martin’s speeches instead have been historical look-backs of days gone by when Irish-American relations were in their heyday.
Though Martin’s words over the last few days have reflected times when there have been clear blue skies in US-Irish relations, there are tornado warnings in Washington DC right now.
The Taoiseach will be hoping his efforts around messaging the last few days will see off any stormy headwinds tomorrow in the Oval Office.
Like the speeches delivered by the Taoiseach during the week, Martin’s words in the Oval Office won’t rock the boat.
It is unlikely that Martin will bring up any specifics about the war in Iran, the bombing of the school that killed 170 young people, or Gaza, for that matter.
Talk of peace might feature in the private meeting between the two leaders, but going head-to-head with Trump is not something in Martin’s game plan by the looks of it.
Taoiseach says he's not 'gaming' stuff behind the scenes ahead of his meeting with Trump tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/xU0KYnkoog
— Christina Finn (@christinafinn8) March 16, 2026
Putting all that aside, the Taoiseach said he is “looking forward” to his engagement with Trump.
He conceded that politics is unpredictable, but described Ireland as “confident in our contribution to America on a number of fronts”.
He declined to comment when asked if he had any “pre-meeting rituals” such as lucky socks, emphasising the confidence of Ireland and Irish people, and referencing Jessie Buckley’s Oscar win.
He also insisted he does not “feel under pressure” to address the war in the Middle East when meeting President Trump, or that recent anti-war comments by Irish President Catherine Connolly would be brought to Trump’s attention.
Speaking to the media in Washington DC on Monday morning, Martin said he will “take tomorrow as it comes”.
The Taoiseach will start his day tomorrow with breakfast at the home of US Vice President JD Vance, before he makes his way to the White House for his meeting with Trump.
He will also attend a lunch on Capitol Hill, where the US president will also be in attendance. The day will be rounded out with the presentation of the bowl of shamrock to Trump in the White House.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say