Taoiseach to discuss Gaza and Ukraine with Trump in White House meeting

Micheál Martin to raise Ireland’s stance on Gaza and Ukraine while emphasising Irish-US relations during White House visit

Micheál Martin will visit US president Donald Trump at the White House on Wednesday, March 12 — the week before St Patrick's Day

The Taoiseach will put forward Ireland's position in relation to Gaza and Ukraine when he meets US president Donald Trump in the White House next week.

Micheál Martin has stressed that the relationship with the US is "extremely important" but he will not shy away from contentious issues during his Oval Office meeting.

“In terms of the core issues, the economic relationship is very important. We’re an open small economy, pro-free trade, and I will be articulate from that perspective. We will also articulate our views in relation to Ukraine, and in relation to the Middle East also," Mr Martin told the Dáil.

Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald, who will be boycotting this year's St Patrick's Day events in Washington over the Trump administration's stance on Gaza, pressed the Taoiseach to outline what he intends to say to his American counterpart next week.

Mr Martin said: “We’re going, fundamentally, to celebrate the historic links, between Ireland and the US. St Patrick’s Day has always been the traditional time to do that. We will be there for our diaspora, with 30 million Americans claiming Irish descent.” 

But he added that Ireland is pushing for a peace settlement in Ukraine that is "durable and sustainable".

"President Trump wants a peace settlement in Ukraine. There are different perspectives on how to arrive at that."

He added: "In terms of in the Middle East, let us be clear. We want to consolidate the ceasefire and will be making that point very strongly. We want a surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Arab peace initiatives and proposals in respect of Gaza have come through, which have a lot to commend themselves."