Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Táim buíoch den Cathaoirleach Gníomhach freisin for allowing me time to speak here.

I am not as enthusiastic as some people about the spending on our European military. Some people, such as the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach, Deputy Lahart, would say that it might help with our situation regarding illegal migrants here. Possibly, but I live in hope.

We need to build relations with President Trump, the Republican Party, Vice President Vance and the Irish diaspora. I visited the White House, thankfully, for the shamrock presentation. I met with many people, such as RFK Jr.; Ms Pam Bondi, the attorney general; and several Congressmen on Capital Hill. There is a unique situation for Ireland. We need to be cautious. We do not need to have people making interventions such as the idiot-like intervention made by the current Tánaiste, Deputy Harris, at the time of the election. We need to mend bridges. We need to keep the Irish diaspora on board as well. There is a willingness. There is huge affection and huge support. They have concerns as well.

I met many of the business groups. Ireland could be damaged here with the tariffs and everything else. There is a fierce lobby within the Republican Party and within business circles, including the chambers, etc. A good few people from Chambers Ireland were over there. I met them as well.

We need to work together. Ní neart go cur le chéile. We need to be mindful of our comments here, and respect the fact that he is President Trump. In this House, everybody is calling him "Trump". We would not like it if that was happening to our Taoiseach. He is the duly elected President of the United States. He is entitled to that. We are entitled too. I am not saying we should massage him, but I would be careful - an-chúramach ar fad - to try to build bridges and maintain the wonderful relationship with the Irish diaspora as well.

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