Brendan O'Connor The Newspaper Panel
Mar 15, 2026
Tanya Ward, CEO of the Children’s Rights Alliance, speaks on social impacts in news. Larry Donnelly, law lecturer at the University of Galway, provides legal and constitutional perspective. David Quinn, Iona Institute CEO and commentator, offers social and ethical commentary. Aisling Moloney, political reporter at the Irish Independent, brings reporting-driven analysis. They discuss the Taoiseach’s US visit, diplomatic choreography, Iran and regional security, US politics and economic fallout.
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Middle East Will Eclipse Ireland In White House Meeting
- Micheál Martin's White House visit will be dominated by questions about the Middle East rather than bilateral Irish issues.
- Multiple panellists note press attention and Trump's unpredictability mean Iran, schoolgirl deaths and international law will shape the Oval Office briefing.
Use Investment And Multilateralism As Diplomatic Tools
- Play cautious and emphasise shared US-Ireland wins rather than confrontational criticism during the Oval Office encounter.
- Larry Donnelly recommends highlighting Irish investment in the US and affirming respect for international institutions to avoid provoking Trump.
Presidency Role Is Shifting Toward Moral Voice
- The evolving Irish presidency role is contested between ceremonial limits and public expectation for moral leadership.
- Panel debate around President Catherine Connolly shows tension: government warns on role, while many argue citizens elected her as a conscience.