Micheál Martin goes to the White House this week for the shamrock ceremony which for long has been the envy of far bigger players on the world stage. But this time, it might be different, and the Taoiseach will need every ounce of his tact and diplomacy to emerge unscathed from what is turning into a bearpit for visiting heads of state. The shameful ambush on President Zelenskyy has given Mr Trump and his henchmen a taste for blood. And the new found American animosity towards Europe means that the Taoiseach will need his strongest suit of armour before entering the lion’s den.
The American pivot to align itself with the gang of rogue states has taken the world by surprise. Within weeks of his new presidency, Mr Trump has sold out Ukraine, rehabilitated Russia, and signalled his refusal to come to Europe’s aid when – not if – the next confrontation arrives. His pandering to Russia meant that Europe was excluded from the White House /Kremlin talks on the proposed carve-up of Ukraine, a gesture which, late in the day, alarmed Europe into accepting the need for it to become self sufficient in its own defence. That the US chose to vote in step with Russia, Belarus and........

© The Mayo News