EU needs to be ‘firm’ with Trump administration, says Tánaiste

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The European Union needs to be “firm” with the US, Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said.

It comes after president-elect Donald Trump suggested the US could annex the Panama Canal and Greenland, which he claimed were at risk from the influence of Russia and China.

The comments have been met with widespread condemnation, including France’s foreign minister who suggested Mr Trump was attempting to interference with the sovereignty of an EU member state, Denmark, of which Greenland is an autonomous territory.

Mr Trump’s election victory has brought heightened concern around what his proposals for corporation tax and tariffs could mean for Ireland.

Asked if he was concerned about the rhetoric from the incoming Trump administration, Mr Martin said he was more focused on seeing the substance of policy initiatives and any “departures” in the US approach.

The Tánaiste said: “We’ve been here before, in some respects. Not just in terms of President Trump, previous American presidents have had protectionist approaches – even President Biden.”

He added: “Europe had to navigate that and Ireland as a member of the European Union will navigate these new challenges with the European Union.

“We have to be skilful, we have to hold our nerve, and we have to be firm but clear in terms of the new challenges that will undoubtedly arise.”

Mr Martin said Ireland would use “all international fora to promote common sense and realism” in the progression of policies.

However, he struck a tone of caution over commenting on matters without concrete proposals being put forward: “There’s a lot being said at the moment, my own view is we have to wait and see.”

He added: “We do know from experience that there are checks and balances in all political systems, likewise in the United States so we’ll see how things materialise.”

Mr Martin’s Fianna Fáil is currently engaged in government formation talks following the general election in November. The talks could see him selected as the next taoiseach.

He said he wanted these negotiations to conclude with a stable government as quickly as possible, noting that there were “challenges coming our way”.

He added: “The geopolitical situation is very, very challenging particularly in terms of multi conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, Sudan, different parts of Africa.

“And then in the midst of that, trying to chart a sustainable economic pathway not just for Ireland but for Europe.”

Mr Martin, who had a “day-long meeting” on these matters with the Department of Foreign Affairs this week, added that Ireland will hold the EU presidency in 2026 and has also been invited to participate in G20 meetings.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he said: “We’re advocates of the single market, of free trade markets.

“That’s in the context of an increasingly protectionist world, so we have a very challenging agenda ahead of us.”