The Taoiseach is to raise concerns around a possible “spiral of tit for tats” in trade between the EU and the US when he meets president Donald Trump this week.
Leo Varadkar also indicated that he will bring up LGBT rights with US vice president Mike Pence, who is known for his opposition to gay marriage and LGBT rights.
He said: “I intend to say for the vast majority of people around the world including gay lesbian transgender backgrounds, we have always seen America as the beacon of freedom.
“It is tough to see a country built on individual freedom not being a world leader in that space anymore. I hope once again America will take leadership in that area.”
In a wide-ranging interview at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, the Taoiseach said tariffs are “a road that I don’t want either Europe or America to go down”.
“As a policy, I can’t imagine how it would be good for anyone,” he said. “I don’t think it would be good for America, I don’t think it would be good for Ireland or the EU.
By Elaine Loughlin
Political Reporter Irish Examiner
