Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart praise Taoiseach for Trump meeting

James Cox

The Rest Is Politics podcast co-hosts Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart have both compliment Taoiseach Micheál Martin for how he conducted himself in his meeting with US president Donald Trump.

Martin was forced to sit in silence for long periods, as all world leaders normally have to with Trump, but when he got a chance he was not afraid to push back.

In notable moments he defended UK prime minister Keir Starmer, Europe and Ukraine.

He has received a lot of praise, including from US media outlets.

Campbell is a former journalist who worked as a strategist and adviser for former UK prime minister Tony Blair.

He is often linked with the UK's involvement with the Iraq war, and Starmer is currently facing the ire of Trump for refusing to let Britain become involved in the Iran war.

Campbell wrote: "Well done @MichealMartinTD - speaking up for European allies. Speaking up for @Keir_Starmer Speaking up for Ukraine. And doing it in a way that kept the Orange Man Boy for several minutes. Happy St Patrick’s Day."

Well done @MichealMartinTD - speaking up for European allies. Speaking up for @Keir_Starmer Speaking up for Ukraine. And doing it in a way that kept the Orange Man Boy for several minutes. Happy St Patrick’s Day

— ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) March 17, 2026

Stewart is an academic and former diplomat and politician. He wrote: "A master mass here from Micheal Martin on how to speak fluently and diplomatically - while also standing up for values, peace and European allies."

A master mass here from Micheal Martin on how to speak fluently and diplomatically - while also standing up for values, peace and European allies - https://t.co/70csFEBlv9

— Rory Stewart (@RoryStewartUK) March 18, 2026