Taoiseach misses out as Davos elite gather at start of Trump presidency

The World Econonic Forum (WEF) got underway on Monday and Donald Trump, who has been sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, will address the meeting virtually on Thursday.

However, the Irish Government’s attendance at the annual summit in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos will be lighter than usual because of the busy political schedule at home.

While Taoiseach Simon Harris is on the official list of attendees of the WEF, Wednesday’s Dáil vote for a new taoiseach will preclude him from attending.

Up to 50 top executives are, however, expected to attend the IDA-hosted dinner in the Grischa hotel on Wednesday evening.

Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke will lead the IDA engagement with global chief executives of existing multinationals already in Ireland, as well as meet with bosses of potential future FDI companies and international leaders.

Speaking ahead of his visit, Mr Burke said he wanted to highlight the Irish economy as "strong and vibrant" and one that is "well placed to manage external shocks."

He added: "I welcome the opportunity to engage with leading multinational companies, as well as leading policymakers and influential economic thinkers at the World Economic Forum in support of retaining and growing the FDI base across Ireland, and driving further innovation across our island.

"In particular, I will be highlighting how our educated and talented workforce can make a unique contribution to innovation and development."

Meanwhile, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelenskiy will also attend Davos and give a speech on Tuesday, according to the WEF organisers.

Advisers to Trump concede that the Ukraine war will take months or even longer to resolve, Reuters reported on Wednesday, a sharp reality check on his pledge to strike a peace deal on his first day in the White House.

Among other global leaders due to attend the Davos meeting are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and China's Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang.

Syria, the "terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza" and the potential escalation of the conflict in the Middle East will be a focus at the gathering, according to WEF president and chief executive Borge Brende.