News Story

Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer has called on the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, to inform US President Donald Trump of the impact of his actions.

Speaking at the annual report launch of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), he said “the geopolitical uncertainty caused by the war in Iran is having a profound impact across the world”.

Mr Buttimer said: “It’s important that President Trump understands, not just from our leaders, but from the Irish people, that it’s having a profound impact.

“President Trump needs to hear from us at the weekend that the war (in Iran) and the war in Ukraine have to end, because they are having profound impact on people across the world.”

Mr Trump is to visit Ireland on Saturday and Sunday where he will meet political leaders and also attend the Irish Open golf tournament.

On Saturday, he will visit his ambassador Edward Walsh and speak to President Catherine Connolly in Áras an Uachtaráin.

He will also meet Micheál Martin in Farmleigh, the official State guest house, where Mr Buttimer says he is confident the Taoiseach will have stern words for him.

Mr Buttimer said: “I think to be fair to the Taoiseach, he did so in Washington. I am very confident that he will do so again.

“But President Trump can’t be immune from the knowledge that the war he waged in Iran is having a profound impact on ordinary people, and it has to end, and I say that as a person who’s very pro-America, who’s a centrist politician.

“The geopolitical world has to hear, and President Trump has to hear, that this has to end.”