Taoiseach

On a fateful sunny morning in August 1945, an atomic bomb weighing 4,400kg was unleashed on Hiroshima by a U.S. warplane. Just 43 seconds later, eight-year-old Teruko Yahata was playing in her garden when the bomb detonated 600 meters above the city. "The first sign of the enormity of what had just happened," she recounted to Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Friday, "was the sky suddenly lit up in a blinding 'bluish-white' light." Moments later, a dark nuclear cloud ascended, which Ms. Yahata described as "as if the heavens…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin recently expressed his heartfelt sentiments during a visit to Hiroshima, stating it was "an honour" to be there. In a conversation with Japanese journalists, he emphasized, "I'm here first and foremost to remember and to extend my condolences on behalf of the Irish people for all those who lost their lives during the atomic bombing and for all those who suffered." This reflection underscores the profound impact of such historical events on collective human experiences. Mr. Martin also took the…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is currently at Expo 25 in Osaka, Japan—an extraordinary global exhibition showcasing the forefront of technology and industry, anticipated to draw 28 million visitors over a six-month period. With participation from 150 countries, Ireland's multi-million euro pavilion is centered around the theme "Creativity Connects People." As the Taoiseach engages with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in Tokyo, the focus remains on strengthening trade ties, enhancing bilateral relations, and addressing…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin recently announced a significant commitment of €21.6 million in Irish funding to Gavi, the global vaccine alliance. This pledge was made during a vital global summit aimed at generating at least $9 billion (€7.8 billion) to bolster Gavi's efforts. Gavi plays a critical role in providing access to vaccines that protect the world's most vulnerable children from disease. Looking ahead to 2026-2030, Gavi has set ambitious goals: to immunise an additional 500 million children, save over eight million…

Taoiseach Michéal Martin Strives for Ireland’s Leadership in Maritime Policy Taoiseach Michéal Martin has expressed his aspiration for Ireland to emerge as a "leading nation" in global maritime policy. His remarks came as he arrived in France to participate in the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), currently taking place in Nice until Friday. As we commemorate a decade since the historic Paris Agreement, which set ambitious targets for limiting global warming, the spotlight now…

The Taoiseach has expressed significant concern over the potential consequences of US President Donald Trump's threat to impose 50% tariffs on the EU starting in June, stating that such a move would be "very damaging." Following Mr. Trump's announcement, European stocks experienced a sharp decline, and the euro saw a drop in value. Additionally, eurozone government bond yields fell considerably, indicating a ripple effect across global markets. On his Truth Social platform, Mr. Trump remarked, "The European Union, which…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has expressed his intent to seek "demanding answers" from Israel following an incident where Israeli forces fired upon a European Union delegation that included two Irish diplomats in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli military stated that warning shots were fired during the visit to Jenin, prompting widespread condemnation as pressure mounts on Israel to facilitate aid to Gaza. Among the diplomats involved were the head of mission from the Irish Representative Office in Palestine and the deputy…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has expressed his approval of the recent EU-UK summit in London, describing it as a "landmark moment." This summit marks a significant step forward as the EU and UK work towards resetting their relationship. British Prime Minister announced that this new agreement is projected to inject nearly £9 billion (€10.6 billion) into the UK economy by the year 2040. One prominent aspect of this agreement is the establishment of a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal that pertains to plant and animal…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has joined forces with several European Union and non-EU leaders to issue a compelling statement that condemns what they describe as "the man-made humanitarian catastrophe unfolding before our eyes in Gaza." This strong declaration was signed not only by the Taoiseach but also by the leaders of Iceland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, and Spain, during a sidebar meeting at a summit in Albania. Mr. Martin could not attend due to the funeral of Garda Kevin Flatley, which took place on the same…

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has expressed profound concern over the recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, which tragically resulted in the loss of hundreds of civilian lives. He emphasized the urgent need for an end to hostilities in the region, stating, "For the sake of the civilians in Gaza, who have already endured unimaginable hardships, there must be an immediate cessation of all fighting." The strikes were reported in various locations, including northern Gaza, Gaza City, and central and southern areas such as Deir…