Micheál Martin discusses all-island business strategies amid US trade uncertainty

On June 12, 2025, Taoiseach Micheál Martin convened with over 150 business leaders, stakeholders, and public policymakers in Dundalk, Ireland, to participate in the Joint Business Council All-island Business Conference. This event is held against the backdrop of sustained economic uncertainty primarily influenced by US trade and tariff policies. The conference aims to strengthen all-island business operations in light of heightened global geopolitical disruptions, which have presented new challenges for both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The conference was organized jointly by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Irish Business and Employers Confederation (Ibec). Both organizations highlighted the urgent need for aligned policy support from the UK and Irish governments. They expressed that business leaders are keen to explore interconnected and cost-efficient methods for operating across the island's borders, emphasizing the importance of cross-border cooperation in various sectors such as manufacturing and life sciences. During the conference, Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec, remarked that the restoration of the North-South Ministerial Council has facilitated improved cooperation on the island. However, he cautioned that global uncertainties stemming from US trade policies demand a proactive approach to build resilience in the all-island economy. Likewise, Rain Newton-Smith, chief executive of the CBI, pointed out that the disruptive nature of tariffs and tax retaliation necessitates a strengthened economic alliance between Northern Ireland, Britain, and the EU, reinforcing the idea that policy stability is critical for attracting necessary investments. The discussions at the conference align closely with the interests of both organizations in ensuring that businesses within the island of Ireland are adaptive and cooperative. As companies navigate through current challenges, their ability to collaborate could significantly influence their resilience and success in the evolving global landscape. Through this gathering, stakeholders aimed to outline actionable frameworks and foster dialogue that would uphold economic opportunities on an all-island basis moving forward.