Slow speed of government why voters look for Trump-like figures, Taoiseach tells Tubridy

Kenneth Fox

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has told Ryan Tubridy that “checks and balances” associated with regulatory bodies and the excessive time it takes to get things done are “why president Trump and alternative [political] positions are being given greater credence today”.

Mr Martin made the comments in a wide-ranging interview on the podcast The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy.

The Taoiseach spoke to Tubridy about his priorities in Government, saying housing and disability are the two main issues he wants to deliver on in his time in the role.

Mr Martin said he “was very frustrated with disability on the last occasion, and [I’m] determined that we make a definitive breakthrough at all levels, and for housing likewise”.

Mr Martin said he met the most senior civil servants of the various Government departments recently and emphasised the problem with delivery of projects: "We’re not delivering fast enough, we’ve too many checks and balances".

The Taoiseach spoke about the growing frustration in the country around these issues, saying they crop up when a project is burdened by too many inputs.

He told Tubridy that he spoke recently with British prime minister Keir Starmer about these complications and how it feels that they have their hands tied behind their backs when it comes to delivering change.

Mr Martin said: “That is the problem in modern liberal democracies, and it is why president Trump and alternative positions are being given greater credence, because there is a legitimacy to saying the Government has an entitlement [a prerogative] to get things done for the greater good”.

The Taoiseach also spoke about his recent visit to the White House on St Patrick's Day, saying that “every meeting I have, you have to have a clear set of objectives… I had clear messages I wanted to get across, such as the Irish contribution in terms of investment in America, the Ryanair thing and all of that”.

He told Tubridy that “a lot of this is about opening doors for others as well. It is an important relationship, so that when other ministers want to meet their counterparts, it happens”.

The Taoiseach is the latest guest in season three of the podcast series, which will be available from Tuesday, April 22nd.