Story perspectives

Irish legal bloc urges blocking Trump war policies

By Drooid · Sep 11, 2026, 11:39 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Irish Lawyers Object

Over 160 Irish barristers and solicitors signed a Statement of Objection to President Donald Trump’s war policies.
The statement urges the Irish government to bar U.S. use of Irish airspace and Shannon Airport.
Senior counsel Michael L. O’Higgins warned the policies could trigger a global catastrophe.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald urged President Catherine Connolly to raise Gaza during her brief meeting with Trump.

Summary

Trump Visits Ireland

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives in Doonbeg by Marine One to attend the Irish Open and present the trophy.
President Catherine Connolly meets Trump during his two-day visit that includes the tournament.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin holds a bilateral meeting with Trump at Farmleigh House in Dublin.
About 25 activists staged a Palestinian-flag kite protest amid widespread Irish opposition to the visit.

History

Historical Context

In 1991, the U.S.-led coalition’s Operation Desert Storm routed about 2,000 military flights through Ireland’s Shannon Airport, earning €2.5 million but provoking Prime Minister Albert Reynolds’ protest of Irish neutrality. The episode resurfaced during President Donald Trump’s visit, as barristers, activists and Taoiseach Micheál Martin call for a ban on U.S. war aircraft, highlighting Ireland’s ongoing tension between strategic ties and sovereign opposition.

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Irish Lawyers Object

Over 160 Irish barristers and solicitors signed a Statement of Objection to President Donald Trump’s war policies.
The statement urges the Irish government to bar U.S. use of Irish airspace and Shannon Airport.
Senior counsel Michael L. O’Higgins warned the policies could trigger a global catastrophe.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald urged President Catherine Connolly to raise Gaza during her brief meeting with Trump.

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