Taoiseach Micheál Martin reaction to President Trump's address

·22 min·2 clips

Taoiseach Micheál Martin reacts to Trump threatening to bomb Iran 'back to the Stone Age' and the looming global energy crisis.

Host Anton Savage introduces the episode by framing the discussion around the implications of Israeli and American attacks on Iran for global trade and the Irish economy. Taoiseach Micheál Martin joins to give his reaction. The interview begins with Martin condemning Donald Trump's recent speech, particularly the threat to bomb Iran 'back to the Stone Age,' which Martin labels a potential war crime and an attack on civilians. He argues the war must end to protect Iranian civilians and prevent severe economic disruption. The conversation shifts to Lebanon, where Martin explains the role of UNIFIL peacekeepers, including Irish troops, suggesting their presence may limit Israeli military actions. Savage probes the economic consequences, leading Martin to warn this could be the worst energy crisis since the 1970s, causing supply shocks, inflation, and sectoral impacts like on aviation and agriculture. They discuss specific Irish measures, like excise reductions and supports for hauliers, with Martin acknowledging price pass-through issues and ongoing monitoring. The topic moves to Ireland's upcoming EU presidency, where Martin outlines priorities of competitiveness, values, and security, while distancing from the concept of 'strategic autonomy' to avoid protectionism. He mentions goals like concluding the capital markets union and supporting Montenegro's EU accession. Savage raises transatlantic relations and European security, with Martin describing the Russian threat as perceived in Finland and Poland, contrasting with Ireland's lower defense spending. This leads to a debate on Irish neutrality, defense capabilities, and dual-use technology, where Martin argues Irish companies should be allowed to contribute to defense industries, citing examples like underwater drone research for cable protection. The interview concludes with listener questions on fuel taxes and the Occupied Territories Bill, with Martin criticizing Israeli actions in Lebanon.

As heard by us

Trump's remarks, Irish fuel prices, and the Taoiseach's response, all in one tense morning interview.

The piece keeps its focus on Taoiseach Micheal Martin reacting to Donald Trump's press conference and tracing that rhetoric into immediate concerns: the Straits of Hormuz, global oil trade, Irish prices, and the squeeze on petrol and home heating oil.

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Why you'd press play

Trump's threats are filtered through Irish fuel prices, hauliers, and the Taoiseach's take on Israel.

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