Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy described me as the king of deflection. As a true republican, I never did royalty and do not propose to do so now.

In this matter, we have not failed in any respect. Europe has avoided retaliation, notwithstanding a fair degree of provocation by way of the imposition of tariffs. There has been an effective 10% tariff for the past number of months. Europe has avoided overreacting to this and has gone down the route of a negotiated settlement and solution with the United States Government.

The US has issues, which we acknowledge. They can be resolved via renegotiation. That is what we want to do. I do not believe in tariffs.

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