Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed that he intends to remain leader of Fianna Fáil going into the next general election.
Mr Martin had come under pressure from within his own party after a disastrous presidential election campaign, during which his preferred candidate, Jim Gavin, withdrew from the contest, reports Breaking News.
“I understand fully the anger of members of the party and the dismay at how things transpired,” he said. Martin added that he is now resolved to put what he described as a “very challenging” year behind him, reports Breaking News.
In an interview with the Sunday Independent, Mr Martin was critical of former US president Donald Trump’s immigration policies, reports Breaking News.
“The over-reach in communities is something that is in my view, over-the top completely, and I am glad to see it being pulled back somewhat now,” Martin said, reports Breaking News.
“I don’t believe that putting ICE into communities and rooting people out of houses is something I would support or be in favour of,” reports Breaking News.
Despite calls from opposition parties to boycott the annual occasion, the Taoiseach will attend the White House for St Patrick’s Day celebrations, reports Breaking News.
Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said yesterday that the Taoiseach must demonstrate that Ireland does “not bow down to bullies” when he meets Mr Trump, reports Breaking News.
Mr Martin said his approach is to be “careful with the national interest” and “not to lose the head immediately when something that looks terrible is announced”.
“Politically engaging with people is not an endorsement of the stance that they have, or of their own politics. We all have different politics, it can’t be our way or no way,” reports Breaking News.
He also defended his decision to travel to the White House on St Patrick’s Day, saying there is not a single European leader who would refuse such an invitation, reports Breaking News.
He said he would have no objection to the US president addressing the Dáil and that he would repeat an invitation for him to visit Ireland, reports Breaking News.
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