IDA chief told tariffs could lead to new opportunities

Michael Lohan told US tariffs could lead to opportunity as well as threat by turning Ireland's attention to other markets such as Europe and Asia

Michael Lohan, chief executive of IDA Ireland, was briefed late last year on potential questions on Donald Trump's plans for tariffs.

Briefings for the chief executive of the IDA said he needed to be prepared for questions on US president Donald Trump’s plans for tariffs, which were described as “counterproductive” and “in no one's interests.” 

In documents from late last year, Michael Lohan was advised to emphasise that Ireland needed to focus on what “it could control” in terms of talent and infrastructure.