As negotiations loom, Micheál Martin is preparing to address the importance of Irish investment in the US while being mindful of the tense political landscape. Despite substantial numbers of Irish-owned companies employing over 200,000 Americans, the overall economic impact remains relatively small compared to US investment in Ireland. Therefore, rather than a forceful diplomatic approach, a charm offensive is deemed necessary to assert Ireland's role without appearing overly reliant on US goodwill. This delicate dance highlights the need for careful messaging during high-stakes discussions between leaders.
What is needed on Wednesday is not a diplomatic offensive, so much as a charm offensive. While ministers should proudly showcase the extent of Irish investment, they also need to bear in mind, as they swot up on their homework, that Donald Trump's blood is in the water, and they will have to tread carefully.
The likelihood is that the meeting will be less dramatic than some people are anticipating, or perhaps hoping. The real negotiations will go on in private, not in front of the television cameras - that ugly ambush of Volodymyr Zelensky notwithstanding.
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