Martin should follow Spanish PM example in standing up to Trump, Labour says

Labour TD Duncan Smith has called on Taoiseach Micheál Martin to take a leaf out of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s book.

Sanchez, head of Labour’s sister party PSOE and Spain’s Prime Minister since 2018, has become the most high-profile to directly criticise Donald Trump following America’s latest forary into the Middle East.

Sanchez said “you cannot answer one illegality with another, because that is how the great catastrophes of humanity begin,” and refused to let American forces use Spanish military bases to carry out bombings in Iran.

In return, Trump threatened to cut off all trade with Spain, before backing down.

Smith said that Sanchez’s stance on Trump should be a template for the Taoiseach to follow.

With the Taoiseach visiting the White House next week, Smith said “the Spanish government has shown what political leadership looks like when it comes to defending international law and human rights. The question now is whether Micheál Martin will take a leaf out of Pedro Sánchez’s book or continue trying to play every side.

On Tuesday, the Taoiseach met with Sanchez, with Sanchez becoming friendly with both Martin and Tánaiste Simon Haris; in 2024, Ireland joined Spain and Norway in recognising the state of Palestine on the same day, and Sanchez has been viewed as a progressive figurehead in Europe at a time of the continents right-wing drift.

“Pedro Sánchez has been the only European leader prepared to speak plainly about the illegality of the war on Iran. There is no doubt these actions represent a breach of international law and democratic leaders across Europe must say so clearly,” Smith said.

“The Taoiseach should listen carefully to what Prime Minister Sánchez has been saying. Spain has not been afraid to use strong language in defence of human rights. Earlier this month, Pedro Sánchez said Spain ‘does not do business’ with what he described as a genocidal state in reference to trade with Israel. That clarity and conviction has been largely absent from the Irish government in recent months.”

“This meeting comes just days before the Taoiseach travels to Washington for the St Patrick’s Day visit to the White House. The visit must not become an exercise in flattery or an opportunity to avoid difficult truths. There is a real concern that Micheál Martin will shy away from challenging Donald Trump directly. That would be a mistake,” the Labour foreign affairs spokesperson said.

“One thing we cannot see is the Taoiseach playing into Donald Trump’s hands or staying silent to protect political relationships or commercial interests. The Taoiseach must follow the example set by Pedro Sánchez and show that Ireland will not sit on the fence when international law is breached. When he travels to Washington next week he must be clear and principled. That is what leadership looks like.”