It is always wise to prepare for shifts in international relations, but we should not mistake strong rhetoric for inevitable disaster.
The notion that Ireland is uniquely imperilled by Donald Trump’s return overlooks a simple reality: America’s relationship with Ireland has always been based on mutual benefit, not charity.
US investment in Ireland exists because it makes economic sense. That will not change overnight. American companies thrive here not because of some magic-wand tax policy, but because Ireland offers a stable, English-speaking, EU-accessible base with a highly skilled workforce. That remains true regardless of who occupies the Oval Office.
As for politics, Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy is nothing new. If anything, it presents an opportunity.
Ireland has long punched above its weight in Washington through shrewd engagement rather than alarmism.
If a reset is needed, let it be based on pragmatism and confidence, not fear.
Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh
Will antisemitism row prevent Jewish Americans from visiting Munster?
Ian O’Doherty writes that “numerous Irish companies and entrepreneurs in America have been telling us the perception of Ireland as Europe’s most anti-Israel country has not gone down well in the boardrooms of Washington and New York” (January 29).
The implication here is that Ireland needs to watch itself or it could pay an economic price for standing up for international law and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
I think most American companies in Ireland are aware of our pro-Palestinian leanings and President Michael D Higgins’ public support of same following the carnage we have witnessed in Gaza, which is aided and abetted by the United States’ carte blanche support of Israel’s military.
A few weeks ago, I read the headline, ‘How Donald Trump’s second presidency could spark €160m Doonbeg boom’, with regard to his west Clare golf resort.
Are we now to believe, according to Ian O’Doherty, that Jewish Americans will not be coming to Munster?
Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry
What does Harris have in mind for protecting our vital undersea cables?
Ireland does not have the navy nor the radar to monitor threats, let alone defend the undersea cables carrying 97pc of global communications, which pass through or near Irish waters currently patrolled by a single ship whose main gun does not work.
Donald Trump demands that nations relying on the US must spend 5pc of GDP on defence. For Ireland, this is an increase from €1.5bn to €25bn each year.
Tánaiste and Defence Minister Simon Harris should explain his plan to protect these vital communications cables while they are still intact.
Dr John Doherty, Gaoth Dobhair, Co Dhún na nGall
UK must release files on 1974 bomb atrocities and deliver a just resolution
Your report on the phone call between British prime minister Keir Starmer and Taoiseach Micheál Martin outlining their objectives for 2025 suggests they regard it as an important and defining year for Irish-British relations and strategic co-operation (January 27).
May I suggest that Mr Martin presses yet again the prime minister to release the withheld files pertaining to the Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 1974, in which 33 people were killed?
Half-a-century has passed since those atrocities, with no resolution in sight. The British government has ignored four all-party resolutions passed unanimously by Dáil Éireann, urging it to make relevant undisclosed documents available to an independent, international judicial figure.
It is regrettable that recalcitrant British policy remains unchanged. If it takes another half-century to secure a just resolution, I have no doubt there will be others to carry on the fight for justice for the victims.
Tom Cooper, Templeogue, Dublin 6
Show a bit of respect for our garda officers and stop referring to them as ‘cops’
I cringe when I see gardaí referred to as “cops” in some newspapers (the Irish Independent is a notable exception).
One is reminded of Aretha Franklin when she sang Respect.
Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9
Outrageous spending on OPW projects could drive a lot of people up the wall
How does any wall cost €7,000 per metre? I think we need to see a full cost breakdown of every item being used to build this wall.
The outrageous cost of recent OPW projects is disgusting. Who is approving such spending? They should employ the quantity surveyor from Room To Improve to bring some common sense to that department.
David Doran, Bagenalstown, Co Carlow
Every new home should be equipped with a fireplace as a standby during storms
We are promised many thousands of new homes in the years to come. Considering the havoc the recent storm left behind, such as homes without heat or light, more thought should be given to avoiding a re-occurrence of this hardship.
In future, any new buildings should have a standby. Fireplaces are a must in all houses. Smokeless fuel can help the environment.
At present, if there is an electric breakdown, thousands of homes have to endure days and weeks of cold.
Therefore, houses depending solely on electricity should be a thing of the past. Bring back the chimneys.
Leo Gormley, Dundalk, Co Louth
When tidying the garden, think of nesting birds and leave some twigs behind
Twig. Noun. A slender shoot issuing from a branch or stem.
When cleaning up the garden, it would be thoughtful to leave a few twigs on the ground for the birds building their nests
Eve Parnell, Dublin 2