Bertie Ahern Expresses Concerns Over Meeting Trump on St. Patrick’s Day

Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has voiced his apprehensions regarding a potential meeting with US President Donald Trump during the annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Washington. Ahern’s comments came during an interview on the Pat Kenny Show as preparations for the Taoiseach’s visit to the White House on March 15, 2024, were underway.

Ahern expressed that he would have felt “a bit more apprehensive” meeting Trump compared to previous presidents such as Bill Clinton and George Bush. He noted Trump’s unpredictable nature, stating, “He has shown time and time again his ability to go off on any tangent.” Ahern recalled a moment when German Chancellor Angela Merkel sat in silence for nearly 40 minutes during an official visit while Trump spoke uninterrupted.

The former Taoiseach highlighted the complexities surrounding Trump’s administration, particularly the recent decision to ease sanctions on Russia. He remarked, “The American decision was such a disappointment and a kick to Ukraine,” referring to the impact on international relations as the conflict continues. Ahern emphasized that such issues are crucial, especially during discussions about Ukraine.

“Even if the Gulf War was to end tomorrow, I think the whole relationships in the area have been badly affected,” he added, indicating the far-reaching consequences of current geopolitical tensions.

Ahern predicted that Taoiseach Micheal Martin would primarily focus on Irish concerns during his meeting with Trump. Topics of discussion are expected to include the success of Irish businesses and the substantial investments flowing from Ireland to the United States. Ahern noted the positive effects these investments have on the US economy.

While acknowledging the importance of discussing European issues, Ahern cautioned that Trump’s alignment with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu complicates matters, particularly concerning Gaza. He stated, “The difficulty with President Trump is that he plays the tune along with Netanyahu, and that won’t do much to help Gaza.”

In closing, Ahern reflected on the volatile nature of Trump’s presidency. He underscored that with Trump, “the one thing he accounts for consistently is the markets,” suggesting that economic fluctuations could influence his approach to international conflicts.

As the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations draw near, Ahern’s insights shed light on the challenges facing Irish leaders in their engagements with the current US administration.