This time last year, Taoiseach Micheál Martin was grasping an American-flag emblazoned short straw, playing second fiddle to Conor McGregor as our disgraced UFC representative took the St Patrick’s Day podium. This time around, Mr Martin has been restored to March 17 parity, and there is no shortage of hot-button items on the agenda. The question, as always when an audience with Donald Trump is on the table, is will he even get a word in? How should he approach the big day? And, for that matter, should Ireland even be embracing the White House invitation at all?

Source: Irish Independent March 12, 2026 10:40 UTC