Overview
- Robert O’Brien, in a foreword to the report, says Ireland contributes almost nothing to Atlantic defense and pursues positions at odds with the Trump administration, particularly on Israel, while cozying up to China.
- The study highlights defense outlays at about 0.2% of GDP, describing Ireland as a weak link for protecting vital undersea infrastructure crossing its waters.
- Ireland’s fiscal model concentrates risk, with just ten American multinationals providing roughly 60% of corporate tax revenue and a $50 billion U.S. trade surplus tied to offshored activity.
- Policy Exchange argues U.S. reshoring priorities could claw back more than $30 billion in tax revenue from Ireland, creating a significant exposure for Dublin’s finances.
- The report urges the U.K. to avoid Ireland’s approach and align more closely with U.S. priorities, noting recent British moves on issues like Palestinian recognition and China policy as potential friction points; it also cites President Catherine Connolly’s past remarks expressing distrust of the U.S., France, and the U.K.