Donald Trump blinked on tariffs this week, after causing untold damage. Next time it could be a whole lot worse, writes Donal O'Keeffe.

US treasury secretary Scott Bessent told reporters that Mr Trump was pausing his so-called “reciprocal” tariffs on most of the country’s biggest trading partners, but maintaining his 10% tariff on nearly all global imports.

Speaking to The Echo yesterday, Mr Martin said that the European Commission will “in all likelihood” produce a list of counter measures with the aim of alleviating pressure imposed by the 20% tariff on imports from the EU, which was announced last week.

While the pharmaceutical sector — one of the main areas of concern in Cork ahead of US president Donald Trump’s tariff announcement — will not be affected by tariffs for now, there is concern that they may be coming down the line.

During Wednesday’s announcement, Mr Trump said his istration was being “very kind” by implementing tariffs for most trading partners that were essentially half the rate of measures it had calculated was imposed on the US.

The US president said his “liberation day” announcement was a “declaration of economic independence”.

'Everybody is concerned and anxious. We don't know what the intention of the White House is', said Cork MEP Billy Kelleher.

Lord Mayor of Cork to meet with Mayor of County Cork on Monday in a bid to co-ordinate for Cork's multinational companies following the US president's threat to impose 25% tariffs on pharmaceuticals being exported into the United States.

The emerging preferred route for the long-awaited Cork northern distributor road was published late last month

Rachel Morrogh, chief executive of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said the meeting between Mr Trump and McGregor was a “very sinister event”.

Their light-hearted exchange came as the US president said he does not want “to do anything to hurt Ireland”, but added that the trade relationship between the countries should be focused on “fairness”.

All eyes are likely to be on Mr Martin’s visit to the White House on Wednesday evening for the traditional shamrock bowl presentation, which he will make to US president Donald Trump.

Mr Martin said he believes Europe will continue to stand with Ukraine, but added that it also has to keep engaging with the US.

Mr Zelensky's departure on Friday afternoon came after Mr Trump cut short talks over the deal and shouted at Ukraine’s leader during an extraordinary meeting in the Oval Office.

Micheál Martin said there will be 'some secondary effects on Ireland if Donald Trump pushes ahead with his policy.

Simon Harris said that the shooting of the former US president was “shocking and concerning”.