“Ireland can’t afford to sleepwalk into a trade war” – Ken O’Flynn TD

“Ireland can’t afford to sleepwalk into a trade war” – Ken O’Flynn TD warns Government over looming US-EU tariff crisis

Independent Ireland Chairman Ken O’Flynn TD has warned that Ireland is unprepared for the potential fallout of President Trump’s proposed 30% tariffs on all EU goods, urging the Government to “wake up and lead” before Irish jobs and businesses are caught in the crossfire.

“President Trump’s decision to impose 30% tariffs on all EU goods is a wake-up call for Ireland,” said Deputy O’Flynn.

Citing Ireland’s unique position as a small, export-heavy economy with deep reliance on US trade and investment, O’Flynn warned that the country cannot afford to be complacent.

O’Flynn said that the Irish Government must stop reacting passively to international developments and start planning for what he calls the “splash zone” effect of a full-scale transatlantic trade war.

“Over €60 billion in trade flows between Ireland and the United States every year. If even part of that is destabilised—whether through direct tariffs, retaliatory measures or sheer uncertainty—then workers, exporters and family businesses here at home will feel the pain quickly.”

He called on the Government to immediately commission a sector-by-sector impact assessment and convene a national task force to coordinate contingency planning with key stakeholders, including Enterprise Ireland, IBEC, ISME, and the IFA.

“We need real leadership, not reactive briefings. We need a national plan that’s honest about where we’re exposed and proactive about how we defend Irish jobs and industries.”

Deputy O’Flynn also urged the Government to engage assertively at EU level to ensure any European response is measured and does not inadvertently worsen Ireland’s position.

“Ireland must be a full and vocal player in the EU’s response. We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines while Brussels sets the tone.”

He further called for diplomatic engagement with the US administration, leveraging Ireland’s long-standing transatlantic cultural, economic, and political ties to avoid collateral damage.

“We’re not a superpower. But we are a credible voice—and a trusted one too. That gives us leverage, if we choose to use it.”

On the domestic front, O’Flynn called for readiness to deploy financial support, customs infrastructure, and new market access tools to protect exporters and manufacturers most at risk.

“Ireland has always succeeded by being outward-looking, stable, and strategic. We can’t let ourselves get caught flat-footed in a global trade war.”

“It’s time for action—not panic, not posturing—but clear, competent leadership.”