Lost without translation: 300 extra civil servants hired but Taoiseach left with failing headset

An event at Farmleigh with German chancellor Friedrich Merz descended into farce when a series of malfunctioning translation headsets left Micheál Martin struggling to follow proceedings

German chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks to members of the media at Farmleigh House as Micheál Martin looks on with what seems to be a quizzical air — as well he might, as the Taoiseach's translation headset had failed. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA

How do you turn what should be a simple press conference with two EU leaders into a complete omnishambles?

Despite hiring 300 extra civil servants as Ireland took over the presidency of the EU, Taoiseach Micheál Martin was left lost without translation as he welcomed German chancellor Friedrich Merz to Dublin on Tuesday.