The Bowl of Shamrock

[Taytocrisps]

It's just under two weeks to St. Patrick's Day, when Micheál Martin is due to present Trump with the traditional bowl of shamrock. Due to global events, do you think it will go ahead this year? And if it does, what do you think Trump will say to Martin, given that he's lashing out at Starmer and Sanchez, who represent his NATO allies? I'd say Martin will be relieved if it's cancelled, due to the situation in the Middle East.

I will be disgusted if MM goes over now. Trump needs impeaching (well he needs to be taken out full stop really) and MM going over will be a kick in the face of morals.

I really hope he doesn’t go, but unfortunately I suspect he will 🙁

Oh I bet the slither will go but honestly it will make me sick. Donald Trump is insane and Ireland should keep fucking miles away while he is still bafflingly in power.

From what I recall MM sat there last year with a rictus grin obviously praying for it to be over!

Well this year he would be better staying home with that rictus grin instead.

I came across an article on RTÉ from March 2025. Two lines in particular jumped out at me.

"He (Martin) commended the US President on his pursuit of peace deals in Ukraine and the Middle East.

"There is nothing more noble Mr President than the pursuit of peace, and this is what you are doing," he said."

That's aged well......

Martin presents shamrock as Trump highlights friendship

Perhaps a compromise could be worked out. Micheál could stay at home and send Donald a Triffid.

I would love Ireland to be in a position where they do not need to rely on this shamrock ritual on St Patrick's day but unfortunately we are not. The impact of the consequence that could result from not going is too great. Over 200,000 thousand Irish people work in US companies, 7% of our workforce and 75% of our corporation tax comes from the US. The Taoiseach should not put that at risk. Yes it is hypocritical and leaves a bad taste in the mouth and I hope Micheál has a bit of a backbone and explains why Ireland disagrees with his current Iranian offensive, but not going could do us too much harm, it is called diplomatic relations and sometimes you have to suck it up.

I agree the impact of not going is too great.

Although if I was MM, I’d just be calling in a sickie at this stage. Letting someone else take all the shite that will be thrown at him. He can hardly go over and tell Trump he’s an asshole. And no matter how much he tries to balance diplomacy and utterance of words of peace he’ll be criticised.

No fan of FF and MM in general but it’s a shitty, shitty job to do.