Trevor Laffan: I have no desire to visit the US - nor should Micheál

During my service in An Garda Síochána, I came across Donald Trump-like figures of authority from time to time, both inside and outside of the organisation.

They could best be described as bullish and possessing the diplomatic skills of Atilla the Hun.

They knew what they wanted and expected everyone else to be on the same wavelength. They had a one- track mind when it came to their needs.

If you didn’t meet their expectations, you could expect a backlash, regardless of whether that response was justifiable or not.

They threw temper tantrums, but I always held my ground. Those outbursts came from incompetence.

Capable, competent people in responsible positions of authority cope better with the stresses and strains of a working life. If they have an issue, it is dealt with privately and without histrionics. They have nothing to prove.

Even in North Korea, which is hardly the bastion of freedom and democracy, the leadership there cleaned their dirty laundry in private for generations. Purges were common but usually took place behind closed doors so as not to compromise the image of North Korea as a perfect socialist society whose leader, cadres and people acted in perfect harmony.

Kim Jong Un, however, seems to have taken a different attitude with those who upset him.

On a recent visit to a major machinery factory, he became incensed at what he saw as a lack of progress. He lashed out publicly at a vice-premier who was in charge of the factory, telling him to “leave on your own feet while you still can, before it is too late”.

He described the unfortunate man as “a goat yoked to pull an ox cart”. Not exactly a glowing tribute, so I presume the manager took the opportunity to go while the going was good.

It could have been worse for him though. He could have ended up like some of his fellow countrymen.

According to The Times UK, in 2015 the unnamed head of a terrapin farm was put before a firing squad after electricity failures led to the deaths of large numbers of baby reptiles.

Most spectacularly, in 2013, Kim is said to have executed his own uncle, Jang Song-thaek, after he allegedly confessed to a coup plot.

Strange behaviour indeed, but what goes on in North Korea doesn’t surprise us anymore. We’ve all heard the stories, and we know what to expect, and it is certainly a country I have no intention of ever visiting.

Another country I have no desire to visit is America.

I never thought I would feel that way about a country that has been like a big brother to us here in Ireland for so long, but I think it has turned into a basket case.

Maybe when President Trump is gone from the White House and normality returns to that part of the world, I might feel differently but, in the meantime, I’m staying put.

Trump has taken the States to a strange place, and all those who have enabled him to behave like the world’s biggest bully that he is, must find it difficult to look in the mirror.

Those who endorse and defend his outrageous antics and stand silently by while he spews his lies and his vitriol will have to account for themselves some day.

Trump has acted disgracefully by insulting fellow politicians and journalists. He called New York Times reporter Katie Rogers “ugly,” and he called a Bloomberg reporter “piggy”. He attacked a CNN White House Correspondent, calling her “stupid and nasty”. He also called ABC News’ Senior Political Correspondent “the most obnoxious reporter”.

He stooped even lower when he mocked his predecessor Joe Biden’s health scare recently. Regardless of what he thinks of Biden, as a former President of the United States he deserves to be treated respectfully.

Trump embarrassed himself again recently while in Davos. He ruled out taking Greenland by force but insisted Norway could have intervened to ensure he won the Nobel peace prize.

He blamed the Norwegian prime minister for failing to ensure he won that prize.

Trump’s solution to everything is to buy it, take it, bomb it or put tariffs on it. He is an out-of-control bully who has every nation running scared and it’s about time he faced some pushback. You never defeat a bully by running away from him or kow-towing to him.

Micheál Martin seems to think otherwise. He has said he believes in “dialogue” and appears to be set on going to Washington in March to meet Mr Trump for the annual Bowl of Shamrock ceremony in the Oval Office for St Patrick’s Day.

The Taoiseach insists the US-Irish relationship is a very important one, as are other relationships, and in his view, given the importance and centrality of the relationship between Ireland and the US, and indeed with our diaspora, it’s important that we continue to engage.

A fine sentiment, but I disagree.

The Irish-American vote is very important to politicians over there and making a presentation to that man sends the message that the Irish are endorsing his leadership.

The leader of our government, smiling and shaking hands while offering him a gift, is a slap in the face to those suffering under Trump’s regime.

I always thought that we in Ireland believed deeply in the fighting spirit, a notion deeply rooted in Irish history and culture.

According to Secret Ireland, the Fighting Irish reputation reflects the indomitable spirit of Irish immigrants who faced discrimination and adversity, particularly in the United States, and persevered with determination and courage.

We weren’t known for backing down. We stood up to the bullies and fought back. Until now that is.

Appeasing that blowhard with a bowl of shamrock and a smiley photo-shoot in the hope he’ll look favourably upon us doesn’t do much for our reputation.

Where’s the Bull McCabe when we need him?