Taoiseach

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has characterized the remarks made by Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, as inflammatory. Katz suggested that countries such as "Spain, Ireland, Norway, and others" bear a "legal obligation" to accept Palestinians. Such statements raise flags, especially in this complex geopolitical landscape. These comments emerged as Katz instructed the Israeli military to draft a strategy for the "voluntary departure" of Gaza's residents. This directive followed a controversial announcement from U.S.…

In a striking display of diplomatic gestures, Taoiseach Simon Harris extended his heartfelt congratulations to Donald Trump upon his ascension as the 47th President of the United States. Earlier today, the historic ceremony unfolded within the hallowed halls of the Capitol in Washington D.C., where Mr. Trump took the oath of office, symbolizing a pivotal moment in American history. Harris, in a thoughtful statement, expressed his hopes for Mr. Trump, wishing him "every success during his term-in-office." It’s as if he sent…

This afternoon, the Taoiseach engaged in a conversation with President-elect Donald Trump, with pressing matters like the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine taking center stage. Simon Harris, while on the move between canvassing events in the country’s northwest, participated in this significant dialogue. Trump, who previously served as President from 2017 to 2021, secured a return to the White House last week after emerging victorious in the elections. He is set to officially assume office on January 20, 2025,…

Taoiseach Simon Harris has indicated that the chances of a transatlantic trade disruption are on the rise, but he characterized the US president-elect, Donald Trump, as "transactional" and expressed confidence that he would recognize the mutual nature of US-EU trade. Harris made these comments upon his arrival at the European Political Community summit in Budapest, which includes leaders from 47 European nations, among them the 27 members of the European Union. This gathering comes at a critical moment, as Trump's recent…

Taoiseach Simon Harris recently engaged in crucial discussions with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni regarding Israel's assaults on UNIFIL positions situated in southern Lebanon. Both Italy and Spain maintain significant detachments of UNIFIL peacekeepers stationed in the tumultuous region. During their dialogue at the EU summit in Brussels, the Taoiseach clearly articulated his viewpoint, emphasizing that the safety of UNIFIL personnel is paramount. He insisted that Israel…

Harris Voices Grave Concerns for Lebanon While Engaging with Herzog The geopolitical spotlight has once again turned to the Middle East, as escalating tensions in Lebanon become increasingly alarming. In a recent conversation, Ireland's Taoiseach, Simon Harris, underscored his "serious concern" regarding the rapidly deteriorating conditions in Lebanon during his phone dialogue with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The ongoing situation not only raises eyebrows globally but also sparks fears of broader instability in the…

The Taoiseach has strongly asserted that Israel must halt its attacks on UNIFIL personnel stationed in southern Lebanon. This statement follows a recent incident in which Israeli forces targeted the headquarters of UN peacekeepers, resulting in injuries to peacekeepers for the second time in just two days. For the second time within 48 hours, explosions rattled the Naqoura base of UNIFIL, causing significant concern. Two peacekeepers sustained injuries when blasts erupted near an observation tower, illuminating the…

The Taoiseach has expressed to President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority his unwavering commitment to champion the cause of Palestine within the European Union and various global platforms. He asserted that he would diligently encourage other nations to formally acknowledge Palestine as a sovereign state. Simon Harris conveyed, “There is an unequivocal right to a Palestinian state, one that can coexist peacefully and securely alongside the State of Israel.” The meeting between these two pivotal leaders occurred…