Sinn Féin leader criticizes Taoiseach's White House meeting

Micheál Martin, the Taoiseach of Ireland, faced criticism after a recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. During this meeting, Trump commented that a housing shortage in Ireland was a sign of economic success. Micheál responded by praising the answer, which angered many back home. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald called him out for seemingly laughing about the housing crisis, which many Irish people find distressing. In a heated exchange in the Dáil, McDonald accused Micheál of not taking the crisis seriously and for being "sniggering" at people's struggles. She challenged him about not making a strong statement on the situation in Gaza during his meeting with Trump. Micheál defended himself by stating that he had the "courage" to meet with Trump when McDonald chose to stay home. The debate revealed deeper divisions, with Micheál asserting that McDonald was wrong to criticize him, given her absence from important discussions in Washington. He questioned her credibility as a political leader and accused her of avoiding the issues while trying to attack him. The argument continues in the Dáil, suggesting that tensions between the two leaders remain high. Meanwhile, discussions about other political matters, such as a spat involving independent TDs, highlight ongoing conflicts within Irish politics.