Taoiseach Micheál Martin was told he “did Ireland proud” in messages from the public after his St Patrick’s Day meeting with US president Donald Trump at the White House.
Martin’s meeting with Trump came at a dangerous times in international relations.
Trump had recently attacked EU allies in meetings, including an extremely awkward exchange with German chancellor Friedrich Merz. The US had also recently launched its war on Iran.
However, Martin stood up to the diplomatic test and managed to push back on Trump’s criticism of migration into the EU, while he also defended UK prime ministe Keir Starmer.
The majority of messages to the Taoiseach after the meeting, seen by BreakingNews.ie following a Freedom of Information request, were complimentary.
On the evening of St Patrick’s Day, one person thanked Martin for his “professionalism and dignity”.
“I would like to sincerely thank Taoiseach Micheál Martin for his recent visit to the White House and for representing Ireland with such professionalism and dignity. The relationship between Ireland and the United States is incredibly important — not only culturally, but also economically — and his presence there underscored just how vital that connection remains.
“I appreciate that the visit may not have been without its challenges or criticism, but I firmly believe it was the right decision and made in the best interests of the Irish people. So many of us rely on strong ties with the United States, whether through employment with American companies or through family and community connections across the Atlantic.”
Taoiseach Micheál Martin was praised for standing up for the EU and UK in his meeting with US president Donald Trump. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
They added: “It was reassuring to see Ireland represented so thoughtfully and confidently on such an important stage. I am genuinely proud and grateful for the leadership shown, and I believe many people recognise the long-term importance of maintaining and strengthening this relationship. Thank you again for representing Ireland so well.”
In an email on March 18th, someone wrote: “I’m not generally a political person, but I followed your St Patrick’s Day visit to the White
House, in the hope that all would go well. I feared that in the current climate, President Trump would have made things hard and awkward for you.
“Having watched the television coverage, I have to say, you were outstanding. You delivered your messages in a robust and respectful way. You showed great strength. It was most impressive when you stood up for your UK counterpart, Sir Keir Starmer.
“I doubt you will have the time to read this, but maybe someday when the sun sets on your political career, you might find this and look back on a day where you stood tall, stood proud and did Ireland proud on the biggest stage in the World. We are a great little nation, we are not perfect but no one is! It’s not often a politician is praised but to be fair you deserve a hearty well done and a clap on the back.”
In a third complimentary message, someone praised the Taoiseach for defending Keir Starmer and his reply when Trump pointed to a bust of Winston Churchill and compared the prime minister to the war time leader.
Churchill bust
Martin said Churchill was a “great war time leader”, but quickly added that he “created his own difficulties for us [Ireland]”.
The message read: “Comhairdeas, you did the Nation well on you visit to the White House on 17th March. Defended our relationship with UK and a beautiful remark about that Bust. Also, our relationship with EU… well done. You said what needed to be said and defended our long standing values as peacekeepers. Keep up the good work.”
Another person offered the Taoiseach “hearty congratulations on the entire meeting with President Trump”.
“A great performance all round on behalf of our country.”
Another email read: ” Though I don’t support parties anymore, I have to be fair in saying that you did an excellent job in the Oval Office with Mr Trump yesterday. That was no easy task. In fact, I doubt if many leaders of most countries in the western world would have been able to hold their own or handle such a meeting as well as yourself. I commend you and thank you for defending us, the EU and the UK.”
There was also criticism for the Taoiseach, although there were less of these messages.
Shannon Airport
One person called Martin “shameful”, and criticised him for “showing no backbone in allowing the American military’s continued use of Shannon Airport”.
Another wrote: “I am watching you in your meeting with Donald Trump are White House. Why did you not correct Trump when he claimed Nato gave him no support with Iran, and he’d helped Nato?
“Why did you not remind him Nato helped the US with Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya? He says he helped with Ukraine, we didn’t help him with Iran. His war with Iran is illegal. He says he doesn’t need our help, so why is he so annoyed we didn’t come? He says the war is over, so why does he need help? He slags off his Allies and then wonders why they won’t help him.”
