Green Party spokesperson on Balanced Regional Development, Niall Murphy, said that celebrating Trump’s removal of tariffs that he first introduced is akin to thanking a bully for stopping the regular beatings.
Mr Murphy who stood for the Green Party in the recent Galway West election said that even though he espoused irish unity, his policies divide rather than unite.
“Trump’s comments on a united Ireland were greeted with celebration and caution in equal amounts. The reality is that Trump’s track record is to take one side in any conflict, and drive division rather than unity.
He said that Trump repeatedly promised during his presidential campaign that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours.
“Following the destabilisation of the middle east I think Irish diplomats would be wise to keep Trump as far away as possible from United Ireland negotiations. In fairness to Micheál Martin, he made it clear that we will not be over-reacting to Trump’s comments.”.
“If, out of self interest we ignore the fact that Trump found liable for sexual abuse and has presided over illegal wars, then we are left with the question of whether his policies and actions bring economic or social benefit to Ireland. Many around Doonbeg have argued that he brought jobs to the area and huge economic benefit. A lot of that is American tourist money.
Mr Murphy said that Trump’s polices have damaged tourism.
“But Trump’s misadventures in the middle east have caused transatlantic flights airfares have risen sharply with some airlines reducing capacity. The summer now ending was only marginally influenced because bookings are made far in advance, but next year, while the struggles in Iran continue, our tourism will suffer”.
“As for his parting gift of removing the 10% tariff on Irish whiskey, we should not forget that Irish whiskey enjoyed zero-tariff treatment for decades before Trump’s tariffs disrupted it. Celebrating its removal is akin to thanking the bully for stopping his regular beatings.
“Those same distilleries that will be relieved at the removal of the tariff will still have to pay the same price that we are all paying for Trump’s oil wars. Input and shipping costs are rising as fossil-fuel prices increase. All Irish businesses will continue to suffer from this. The Irish government excise cuts can only go so far to counter the damage done by Trump,” he concluded.
