The Tánaiste has announced plans to open a new Ireland House in Chicago later this year. 

Micheál Martin said it will play a role in unlocking potential and sourcing new opportunities in the Windy City.

Ireland House Chicago will be a hub for diplomacy, trade, business and cultural promotion.

The Foreign Affairs Minister said it would mean a “more effective presence” for the Irish Government.

“It’s the most significant investment by the Department of Foreign Affairs in Chicago in a long time,” he said.

“It will bring in the IDA and other agencies into the consulate; they like that.

“They see it as a country wanting to create economic investment in their area, so they’re very happy that we’re coming.”

Crime

The Tánaiste is on a one week visit to the States but has not refrained from weighing in on domestic matters.

Yesterday, following a suspected arson attack in County Kildare, Minister Martin said the Government might need to review legislation.

“It seems to me that a campaign is developing of arson and criminality,” he said.

“Government will review this situation to see if tougher measures are required [and] greater deterrence required to stop this activity.”

Property after suspected arson attack in Kildare. 07/02/2024. Picture by: Newstalk

Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show this morning, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar echoed his concerns.

“The biggest worry that I would have is that somebody's going to get killed or seriously injured – whether it's a night watchman or a security guard or maybe even somebody sleeping rough in one of these buildings,” he said.

“These are serious crimes and they are also motivated by hate, let's not forget that.

“People often ask what is hate crime? How do you legislate for hate?

“Well when somebody is burning a building because they believe that people of a different nationality or different colour are going to be accommodated there, that's a very clear hate crime to me.”

The Taoiseach also discussed the conflict in Israel and Gaza, his visit to the White House and the popularity of Sinn Féin.

Main image: Micheál Martin in Chicago. Picture by: Newstalk