Responding to the ongoing threat of tariffs on European nations and regional instability prompted by the Trump administration, Irish Congress of Trade Unions General Secretary Owen Reidy said:
“Donald Trump’s latest tariff threats pose a severe risk to the Irish economy, and we are deeply concerned about the potential impact on workers in Ireland. Given the seriousness of the current situation, we are urging the Government to work with trade unions on immediate contingency planning to ensure workers are protected in the event of a trade war.
“It is right that the Irish Government and European leaders seek to de-escalate the situation through negotiation. However, negotiation should not mean appeasement of the Trump administration. It is incumbent on European leaders to unite and push back coherently against this continued assault on European sovereignty and democratic norms.
“Whether in industrial relations or international relations, the principle of standing up to the abuse of power remains the same. We have seen the contempt and violence with which Donald Trump treats his own citizens, as well as his foreign allies. Europe, including Ireland, must be willing to assert its values in the face of these threats.
“Ultimately, the volatility created by the Trump administration is a stark reminder of the risks associated with Ireland’s over-reliance on corporate tax receipts. The Government must look seriously and urgently at how we can de-risk and reorientate our economic model to ensure stability and certainty. We can no longer allow our economy to be disproportionately exposed to the actions of any one country or sector.”
