Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Niall Carson

Leo says Trump is right about one thing - Europe needs to stop relying on the US for its defence

Varadkar says Europe needs to start looking after its own security.

TAOISEACH LEO VARADKAR has said he agrees with US President Donald Trump when he says Europe needs to start paying for its own defence.

Speaking at an event in Washington DC yesterday, Varadkar said Europe needs to stop relying on the US and “start looking after its own security”.

He added:

Though our nearest neighbour, the United Kingdom, may be leaving the European Union, we are a founder member of the single market, our single currency, the euro, and Pesco, Europe’s enhanced co-operation in defence and security.
We will always be at the heart of Europe, the common European home we helped to build.

When asked about Ireland’s participation in Pesco, the Taoiseach discussed the issue of European defence mechanisms.

Ireland signed up to Pesco, a European defence pact, earlier this year.

The Taoiseach has said the deal will not affect Ireland’s neutrality but some opposition TDs think otherwise. He did confirm that it will result in an increase in the funding Ireland commits to its military.

“It [Europe] is overly dependent on the US for defence and security and it shouldn’t be like that,” he said.

Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw support European countries that fail to pay up on their defence budget each year.

He claimed Germany and other NATO members “owe billions” for falling short of spending targets, stating that “some friends and enemies” had “taken advantage” of the US on trade and on military.

TheJournal.ie’s political reporter Christina Finn will be bringing you all the latest updates from Leo Varadkar’s visit to Washington this week, including his meeting with US President Donald Trump on Thursday.

Stay up-to-date by following @ChristinaFinn8@TJ_Politics  and TheJournal.ie’s Facebook page.   

 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
98 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Red
    Favourite Tom Red
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 7:24 PM

    You’d be fair fecking cold if you only grabbed your hat and scarf..

    414
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute TheIrishBrain
    Favourite TheIrishBrain
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 7:53 PM

    No scorchio.

    60
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Philip King
    Favourite Philip King
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 8:57 PM

    Hat scarf and sock

    39
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute AD0099
    Favourite AD0099
    Report
    Dec 2nd 2014, 12:48 AM

    Dont forget your copy of the Holly Bough

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anne Gyna
    Favourite Anne Gyna
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 8:13 PM

    I hope it drops down to below Zero & freezes the shxxe outa all the germs, virus’s & infections that are doing the rounds now. So many people sick with all the dirty fog & damp weather. A decent blast of frost & ice will soon solve that.

    200
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ronan O Connor(MUFC)
    Favourite Ronan O Connor(MUFC)
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 7:43 PM

    It was -36 here in Calgary yesterday . A day for the high stool and the bovril !

    120
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Martin Hayes
    Favourite Martin Hayes
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 7:59 PM

    Ronan, I remember a friend of mine who emigrated to Edmonton, he said Ireland always felt colder when he came home for Christmas because of the damp.
    I’d still rather be short taken in Enniscorthy than Edmonton though.

    67
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute damian
    Favourite damian
    Report
    Dec 2nd 2014, 1:27 AM

    I was in Regina, Saskatchewan in central Canada for 3 weeks on a business trip. Just home a few days…. The first week or so it was -22 Celsius on a good day! Took your breath away! Crazy cold. Wind chill brought it down to – 31 Celsius. But Ireland’s damp cold is something to behold.

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daniel Dudek Corrigan
    Favourite Daniel Dudek Corrigan
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 7:42 PM

    when was the last time met eireann got the weather forecast right?

    111
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Uncle Mort
    Favourite Uncle Mort
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 7:43 PM

    Today?

    70
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Daniel Dudek Corrigan
    Favourite Daniel Dudek Corrigan
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 8:49 PM

    Nowhere near to -2…

    34
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Uncle Mort
    Favourite Uncle Mort
    Report
    Dec 2nd 2014, 11:42 AM

    The forecast rain moving across the country and a night-time low of -2, we got both .

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute hairy ....
    Favourite hairy ....
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 7:32 PM

    What a time to shave off my MO. My top lip will be cold tomorrow.

    107
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Tom Red
    Favourite Tom Red
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 7:34 PM

    I really hope you’re a fella?.

    349
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Leslie Skinner
    Favourite Leslie Skinner
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 8:02 PM

    Grab the duvet and stay in bed

    54
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John O'Brien
    Favourite John O'Brien
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 9:57 PM

    Roll on summer!

    39
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Uncle Mort
    Favourite Uncle Mort
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 7:26 PM

    No no no.it’s the warmest 1st week in December on record.

    34
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Mac
    Favourite Thomas Mac
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 7:36 PM

    I’ll believe it when I feel it.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lily
    Favourite Lily
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 7:34 PM

    I have my hat got since last week (and I have rarely taken it off) but I still refuse to wear my winter jacket. Has to drop to below 0 for that.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sean Mcphillips
    Favourite Sean Mcphillips
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 7:59 PM

    When does it not feel cold and wintry…only stating the obvious.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute N O'C
    Favourite N O'C
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 9:11 PM

    Where were you all summer?

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Anto Byrne
    Favourite Anto Byrne
    Report
    Dec 1st 2014, 7:26 PM

    I have a whopper scarf and hat. Jacomos.com is the spot. Clothes only whop they are

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jane Travers
    Favourite Jane Travers
    Report
    Dec 2nd 2014, 12:41 AM

    Great. Just when my boiler decides to have a tantrum.

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds