Frances Fitzgerald says there’s “no reason” why tough issues shouldn’t be brought up with Trump
On Friday, former Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald said that Irish politicians should not shy aware from tough topics when U.S. President Donald Trump arrives in Ireland in November.
“I do believe that sexist attitudes wherever they exist, whether it's in those who occupy positions such as president or prime minister or anything else, they have to be challenged wherever we see them,” Fitzgerald said.
"And clearly we have heard sexist attitudes and comments from the President."
Read More: Protests against Donald Trump in Ireland could jeopardize strong relationship
Fitzgerald was in attendance at a Fine Gael think-in in Galway on Friday September 7. The politician resigned from her role of Tánaiste (Deputy Leader) last year following a garda whistleblower email scandal but still serves as TD for Dublin Mid-West today.
Fitzgerald added, "We can make our point of view very clear on the issues that are of concern to people in relation to his presidency, I see no reason for us to do that.”
Also in attendance at Friday’s think-in in Galway was current Tánaiste Simon Coveney, who expect President Trump’s Irish trip to be controversial, but only “because everything Donald Trump does these days is controversial.”
Read More: Trump to visit Ireland in November, White House announces
Tánaiste Coveney said, “We don’t agree with Donald Trump in terms of his approach to climate change, we don’t agree with his approach on migration, we don’t agree with his approach in terms of international trade and the imposition of tariffs.”
The Tánaiste also said, “I don’t say he’s a racist, but as I’ve said before I disagree with many of the policies that he advocates."
On Friday August 31, the White House announced President Trump’s visit to Ireland.
“While in Europe, the president also will visit Ireland to renew the deep and historic ties between our two nations,” a White House statement said.
President Trump is set to visit Ireland in November for two days, either before or after he visits Paris, France to mark Armistice Day on November 11. His Irish itinerary includes stops in Dublin and Doonbeg, where he has a golf course.
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