I was shocked by the reaction from Cork City Council to my motion calling for the formal congratulations of President-elect Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and an invitation for them to visit Cork. This hysterical and verbose reaction failed to consider the broader diplomatic and economic context of the motion.
Ireland’s economy is deeply tied to the U.S., as highlighted in the AmCham 2023 US-Ireland Business Report, which shows there are now 950 American companies operating in Ireland, directly and indirectly employing 376,000 people. These companies contribute over €31 billion to the Irish economy annually.
Cork’s economy specifically benefits from significant investments by multinationals in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. The policy decisions of President-elect Trump and Health Secretary Kennedy will directly impact these enterprises. Ignoring or alienating this new administration could weaken our economic standing.
Cork City Council’s insult to the close on 80 million U.S. citizens who voted for President Trump is undeniable. Dismissing such a significant portion of the U.S. electorate is not only diplomatically unwise but also disrespectful to those who elected their leader. Instead of reacting with emotional condemnation, Cork City Council should focus on fostering pragmatic, strategic engagement with the new administration. Such engagement is key to protecting our long-term prosperity.
