Ireland must “launch an all-out diplomatic and trade offensive” in the United States to counter the potential fallout from Donald Trump’s return to the White House, Taoiseach Simon Harris has warned.
With Mr. Trump’s inauguration set for January 20, concerns are mounting about the impact of his tax and trade policies on Ireland.
Key Irish government ministers have been briefed on the risks posed by his stated goal of repatriating U.S. investment. As the host of international headquarters for numerous major American corporations, Ireland faces potential threats to its jobs, investment, and corporate tax receipts.
In an article for The Irish Times, Mr. Harris described Mr. Trump’s re-election as a “comprehensive” victory, with Republicans securing control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.
He noted that this strengthened mandate would empower the former president to pursue campaign promises, including slashing business taxes in the United States—a move that could challenge Ireland’s economic model.
Mr. Harris also raised the specter of a trade shock triggered by tariffs, cautioning that Ireland’s small, open economy is particularly vulnerable.
“Ireland has no time to waste,” he emphasised, adding that relying solely on the annual St. Patrick’s Day visit to the White House is insufficient.
“The new Irish government must initiate a full-scale diplomatic and trade offensive in the United States starting late January,” he wrote.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin, leader of Fianna Fáil, is likely to take over as Taoiseach if a coalition deal between his party and Fine Gael is reached.
However, sources within both parties have expressed scepticism about forming a government before Mr Trump’s return to office.
Coalition agreements must undergo internal ratification processes, which could delay the next Dáil meeting scheduled for January 22.
Both Mr. Harris and Mr. Martin have previously voiced optimism about forming a government before the transition in Washington.
Mr. Harris highlighted the strength of Ireland’s diplomatic presence in the U.S., including its embassy in Washington, consulates, and agencies such as IDA Ireland and Tourism Ireland. These networks, he stressed, must be mobilized to their fullest potential.
He also underscored the significant economic relationship between the two nations, noting that Ireland is a “top-10 investor” in the U.S., with 500 Irish companies employing 100,000 people across the country. “This is the story we need to tell Mr. Trump’s new team,” he added.
Mr. Harris revealed that he proposed to the European Council the idea of inviting Mr. Trump to a U.S.-EU summit. While this could take place in the coming year, he suggested Ireland aim to host such an event during its EU presidency in 2026.
With the clock ticking, Mr. Harris is calling for swift action to safeguard Ireland’s interests amid the shifting geopolitical landscape.
