Micheál Martin has congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration as US President.
The Tánaiste who is expected to become Taoiseach again under the the new Irish government said Ireland and the US have “close ties”.
Martin promised that “Ireland will always remain a constant and reliable partner and friend.”
Ireland and the world is watching to see what Trump will do in his second term.
During his election campaign, Donald Trump threatened worldwide trade tariffs which would likely have a significant impact on the Irish and EU economy.
Speaking in Brussels yesterday, Ireland’s Finance Minister, Jack Chambers, warned that “obviously there are downside risks if tariffs are advanced. And that’s why we want to have a very constructive, an early engagement with the US administration.”
Micheál Martin said that “our task is to further strengthen this partnership, and to create sustainable jobs and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.”
Over the years the US has also played an important role in Ireland’s peace process. The Tánaiste said successive US administrations have offered “their constant support for a brighter future for all on this island” – a signal that he hopes Trump will continue this.
“In a world facing daunting challenges, international cooperation – through both bilateral and multilateral channels – is the only way we can address and resolve our common challenges, as well as our differences.
I am looking forward to working with President Trump and his administration to further strengthen and advance our common interests and shared prosperity.”