Colum McCannNovelistMuch as it pains me to say it, I will say what most people will say, which is to say: “Whatever you say, say nothing.” And then whatever you hear, hear it carefully, and then pretend like you have never heard it at all. I have no faith that Micheál Martin will represent Irish workers when he goes to meet Trump. [ Micheál Martin confirms St Patrick’s Day invite from Donald Trump to White HouseOpens in new window ]Michael Brendan DoughertyWriterJust lie back and think of Ireland. Micheál Martin presents Donald Trump with the traditional bowl of shamrock during last year's St Patrick's Day reception in the White House. An Irish Taoiseach has none of the economic distance of a Spanish prime minister.

Source: The Irish Times March 14, 2026 10:02 UTC