Taoiseach participates in two peaks while tensions on Ukraine and Gaza climbed – The Irish Times

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is at Liverpool yesterday as part of a new annual summit in the UK-Irland. His plenary session is this morning with delegates of senior ministers on both sides.

Later this morning travels to Brussels for what is up to a Emergency summit discussing Ukraine and Security of Europe.

The summit with the UK has long been in planning, but coincides with a momentary change in the global balance of power. The new uncertainty about the future of Ukraine and Gaza was thrown by a Presidency of Trump, which suitable with the unpredictability of the Trump 2016 version with a heavy – and honestly worrying margin.

The reason behind the Liverpool summit was to repair the Anglo-Irish relations to what they were in the Blair era after years of conservative neglect and indifference. But it seems that the act of reverse engineering also applies to Keir Starmer’s government and its relationship with the EU. The multiplicity of decisions affecting the global policy taken by President Trump on January 25 has brought the UK and the European Union closer than they have been for many years.

Last night, Taoiseach and the British prime minister met for dinner and a cultural event. This morning, both leaders will agree with a wide cooperation program. Taoiseach will be accompanied by Tánaist Simon Harris, Minister of Education Helen Mcentee, Climate Minister Darragh O’Brien and Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan.

At last night’s event, Taoishaach emphasized the close relationship between both countries, bilateral trade worth 100 billion euros annually.

The partnership will take more cooperation between Irish and British cultural institutions, co-stanning major sporting events, including the World Cricket T20 2030, research collaboration, continuing the common travel area and collaborating together and offshore interconnection.

Both leaders are also expected to discuss the situation in Ukraine and the efforts of Mr. Starmer to ensure that the approach of Europe and those of the Trump administration have been more aligned. Asked last night if he would ask for any advice from Mr. Starmer about how to manage the US Volatile President when he meets him next week, Mr. Martin said he did not “need” to ask for his prime minister.

The summit in Brussels

Taoiseach will leave Liverpool before noon to travel to Brussels for the special meeting of the European Council, which will discuss support for Ukraine and European Security and Defense.

He arranged to respond to the increasingly fragile relationship between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who came to the head of the Oval Office last Friday.

In addition to the strategy on how to demonstrate Europe’s support for Ukraine, EU leaders will also discuss how to strengthen EU defense capabilities in response to the clearly diminished NATO and European defense, as well as to President Trump and his President, Vladimir Putin.

The Irish opposition parties will carefully follow the result of the meeting to determine what commitments Ireland gave to increase the defense expenses. Probably the EU will appear in front of the growth of defense and military budgets by 800 billion euros, the defense expenses of Ireland will increase substantially. There was also a strong opposition to the cabinet’s decision to put an end to the “triple blocking” regarding the overseas missions by the defense forces, which was seen as a prelude to the possibility that Irish troops be sent to Ukraine as peace keeper.

Mary Lou McDonald, from Sinn Féin, argued against the expenses, saying that “Peace is not achieved through investments and the financing of the war” and the accusation of the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen that he started the weapon race.

Mr. Martin replied, saying that the Baltic and Poland states had all the recent historical memories of being occupied by Russia. “No one wants war, but Europe is exposed right now, the Baltic, in particular, Poland and many others,” he said.

US Secretary of State Increases Commercial Deficit in Ireland

Pat Leahy reports about Full details about the phone call Between the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Tánaista Simon Harris earlier this week.

A complete reading of the call provided by the US State Department makes a reading is not very happy. It appeared that Rubio brought the commercial imbalance between Ireland and the US. It is one of the largest export markets, with goods worth 72 billion euros exported there last year, of which 58 billion euros were pharmaceuticals or chemicals.

As we report: “Irish officials are nervous that Mr. Rubio’s comments report that President Donald Trump will seek to corner Taoisaach Micheál Martin on the US surplus during his visit to Washington next week for the Strick’s Day in the White House and Capitol Hill.”

Energy supports may be required this winter

Kevin O’Sullivan saw the information prepared for the new Minister of Energy Darragh O’Brien upon arrival in January.

The main point that stands out is Evaluation by officials that households will still need support For electricity, oil and gas invoices, because the prices remain between 60-90 % higher than they were before the energy crisis.

The government has already said that there is unlikely to support energy costs in this year’s budget, because prices have stabilized after increased increases. But in view of that prominent supplier, SSE Airtricityannounce Increasing prices Last week – with more chances to follow – the ministers for finance and public spending will be under pressure in 2025 to examine this decision.

Oirechtas hears about HSE spending

Marie O’Halloran reports about Debating your wills raised yesterday for wasteful expenses In government departments.

I found out that Executive Health Service (HSE) It has been fined 4.3 million euros in the last two years because it has not been able to pay their timely bills, including cleaning products and toilet rolls.

Sinn féin TD Mark Ward said that “no one is taken into account” because he emphasized the fines that the health service pays for delays in the payment of his bills.

Michael Collins from Independent Ireland has requested an efficiency department. His government rivals, including the “Boxer” Moran, Minister of State Minister of Moran, said he wants an Irish version of Elon Musk’s Doge (government efficiency department).

The best readings

Miriam Lord channels ENDA Kenny in her column that explores the best tips for Taoiseach When entering the pillar of the Lion, otherwise known as the Oval Office, on March 12.

“Maybe Micheál should give Enka a tickle and ask for a few indicators about starting the cork charm, such as.

“But that previous meeting was before Trump and his people go wide to use a diplomatic term. Quickly before this week, and the chief-child man starts in a second term. The mood now is as bad as the first time and then some. “

Meanwhile Jack Horgan-Jones says the former The Co-Rider of Social Democrats Róisín Shorttrall It has no interest in applying for the presidency.

Eoin Right, a researcher with the think tank of the European People’s Party in Brussels, writes a provocative column in which he argues Ireland to become strong supporters of a new single market where “the free movement of capital is actively and constantly promoted”.

His analysis of the current situation does not draw any fist: “No other country in european union It is as hopeless and naively dependent on the US as Ireland. This is the level of American influence on the Irish economy which, with a stroke of his pen, the US president Donald Trump It could immediately precipitate a budget crisis in Dublin. Without corporate tax revenue from American companies, Ireland would have driven a considerable deficit Every year since our last bankruptcy in 2010. ”

Playbook

Dáil

9.00: Parliamentary questions: Minister for Tourism, Culture, Patrick O’Donovan arts.

10.30: Parliamentary questions: Minister of Health Jennifer Carroll Macneill

12.00: The questions of the leaders

13.44: Statements about International Women’s Day

16.09: Current problems

16.57: Dáil postpone

Seanad

9.30: Beginning issues

12.15: The draft Revision of the Statute Law, 2024 – Final report and stages

13.00: Statements about Sechtain Na Gaeilge

14.00: Seanad delays

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