Recently, Micheál Martin — former Taoiseach of Ireland — delivered a speech emphasising the European Union as a global model of cooperation, human rights, poverty eradication, and climate leadership. He described the EU as ‘an unsurpassed example of successful integration’ and argued that Europe must engage positively with partners worldwide.
But many Irish citizens listening to that message felt a disconnect. At a time when people are concerned about street safety, rising costs, integration pressures, and strained policing, Martin’s speech struck some as idealistic compared to the daily challenges communities face. This contrast between EU-level ambition and local realities is becoming a major source of tension in Ireland’s public conversation.
Credit to : IENEWS