“The normalisation of war can never be accepted,” President Catherine Connolly has said the "normalisation of war can never be accepted", as Taoiseach Micheál Martin is due to meet US president Donald Trump. In her first St Patrick's Day address to the nation, President Connolly said that "we must renew our commitment to peace and diplomacy in line with the principles of international law as set out in the United Nations Charter", "now more than ever". While giving her St Patrick's Day speech, President Connolly said Irish people are "uniquely placed to offer a valuable perspective", as her speech focused on the war. In her address, Ms Connolly recalled the "foundational story" on which St Patrick's Day is based. The President emphasised Patrick's story is one of "hospitality and kindness".

Source: Irish Examiner March 16, 2026 15:17 UTC