An Taoiseach defends Starmer in Washington
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in Cork last week for the second iteration of the British and Irish Summit.
The two leaders met over the course of 12 and 13 March to discuss a range of issues relating to Irish-British relations and cooperation.
In his speech in Cork City Hall on Thursday evening, Martin highlighted the “uncertain global backdrop” that the meetings were taking place against, but that discussions would centre on how to strengthen “competitiveness and resilience and reduce the cost of living”.
In a separate meeting on 17 March with US President Donald Trump in Washington DC, Martin defended Starmer, saying he was “a very earnest, sound person that I think you (Trump) have a capacity to get on with”.
Trump had criticised Starmer for what he said was his unwillingness to assist the US attack on Iran.
As well as hosting the main summit meeting last week, both delegations took part in a series of engagements under the theme of Shared Prosperity, Shared Seas, Shared Ties.
The meetings included a research-focused visit to the Tyndall Institute, a business roundtable, a civic and a cultural reception.
Discussions were also held with young people from across Ireland and the UK who represent the Ireland-UK Youth Forum.
The meetings at City Hall and the Tyndall Institute were also marked by demonstrations by pro-Palestinian protesters.
They were demonstrating against what they said was Starmer’s support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza, as well as his allowing the use of Royal Air Force (RAF) bases by the US military to launch airstrikes against Iran.
A heavy garda presence accompanied the City Hall event, with public order, mounted, and dog units present.
Separately, Minister for Defence Helen McEntee signed a memorandum of understanding with her UK counterpart John Healey on enhanced defence cooperation between Ireland and Britain.
“It is appropriate that … we take the opportunity to refresh our memorandum of understanding and provide for a particular focus in such areas as maritime, cyber defence and security, air (information sharing) and joint procurement initiatives,” she said.
The first British and Irish summit was held in Liverpool in March 2025, where Martin and Starmer agreed on a wide-ranging programme of new and enhanced strategic cooperation through to 2030.