Independent Ireland urges calm as Trump’s tariffs loom: The question now is how we respond — and the answer must not be panic.
Independent Ireland urges calm as Trump’s tariffs loom: The question now is how we respond — and the answer must not be panic.
Independent TDs have called for “calm heads, measured assessment, and robust diplomacy” in the wake of President Donald Trump’s latest tariff announcements, warning that knee-jerk retaliation could plunge Ireland and the EU into a full-blown trade war.
Party Leader Michael Collins said that while the situation is serious, Ireland has — for now — escaped the worst of the tariff measures, with the vital pharmaceutical sector currently untouched. “I've always said President Trump looks at things like a businessman, It’s clear he likes to do deals and has made his move. The question now is how we respond — and the answer must not be panic,” he said.
Referencing economist John FitzGerald, who told Newstalk earlier today that just 3–4 per cent of Irish exports are likely to be immediately affected, Collins said this underlines the need for proportional response rather than political posturing. “So far, we’ve come out of this relatively lightly. That’s no comfort to those sectors impacted — and they will need targeted government support for those sectors— but it does mean we still have room to negotiate.”
Agriculture spokesperson Michael Fitzmaurice said: “I’m urging the Government and our partners in Europe to take a breath. Don’t hit the panic button. Don’t start slapping on retaliatory tariffs without a full analysis of what this actually means for our economy and our workers.”
The Dairy sector is in the firing line with the renowned Kerrygold butter, which is the leading butter brand in the US, worth over €500 million in exports to the US and is now facing a 20% Tariff .
"It is vitally important that the Government supports the dairy sector, I am calling on the Government to step up to the plate to mitigate the impact of a dairy tariff and support the many small to medium dairy farmers that will face challenges as a result" said Fitzmaurice
Fitzmaurice warned that President Trump has already shown his willingness to escalate, having reportedly threatened a 200 per cent tariff on Irish whiskey if EU tariffs target American spirits. “That kind of tit-for-tat action will hurt everyone. It could decimate entire sectors overnight. This is where diplomacy and a bit of wit is needed — not a knee-jerk reaction that makes headlines but causes havoc.”
He also noted that Trump’s tariffs have notably hit parts of the pharma sector in Switzerland, while sparing Ireland — for now. “We need to be asking hard questions now about how to protect Irish pharma in the long run. What can we do to make sure we’re not next? The answer is simple: negotiate, negotiate, negotiate.”
Fitzmaurice added: “Let’s not pull the lion’s tail. America is still the world’s largest economy. It’s only 4= per cent of the global population, but it accounts for a huge portion of global purchasing power. If it catches a cold, the rest of us could get pneumonia.”
He called on the Irish Government to engage directly with affected industries and push for calm, constructive engagement at EU level. “This isn’t the time for megaphones or machismo. It’s time for quiet diplomacy, detailed economic modelling, and a plan to shield the Irish economy from any fallout.”
Independent Ireland MEP Ciarán Mullooly echoed those calls, saying:
“We must endeavour to use the short window before the EU tariffs kick in to start negotiations with the Trump team to de-escalate this situation. I will be working with fellow MEPs to urge the EU Trade Commissioner to request an urgent meeting with the US Trade Representative. The sooner we sit down, the better.”
“I am concerned about the effect of these tariffs on not just our multi nationals in dairy and agri but the smaller companies and particularly in the border region where two different sets of trading taxes will now be present. The Government needs to sit down with the firms south of the border to listen to their needs in the coming weeks . We must support them against unfair competition.”
“President Trump has made it clear that he’s open to making a deal —. That means calling for a truce in this tariff war to give both sides the space to reach a workable agreement.”
Party leader Michael Collins TD said the priority now should be to avoid unnecessary economic damage and to defend Irish interests through engagement rather than escalation.
“The last thing we need is for Europe to start swinging blindly in return,” Collins said.
“What we need right now are calm assessments, cool heads, and meaningful negotiation. If we go into panic mode, nobody wins.”
