Heydon on Europe, Asia, US TV programme today
The CNBC 'Squawkbox' programme this week is focused on Ireland, and includes interviews with the head of the IDA and the CEO of Bank of Ireland.
Martin Heydon was interviewed by Gemma Acton to give an overview from a political aspect. As FG parliamentary party chairman, he speaks on the position of the party as seen in recent polls — 'when you're in Government you don't expect to be popular all the time, and if you're doing your job properly there can be short term negativity. Polls are only a snapshot in time, important in terms of an election, and there's no election on the horizon'.
He also talks about Brexit — 'we'll be actively seeking to engage with business leaders to sell the story of what Ireland has to offer and to particularly sell the message that Ireland is very much open for business despite Brexit and all of the threats that that brings around'.
Asked about the Taoiseach's trip to meet President Trump on St Patrick's Day, Deputy Heydon said it was 'crucial' to Ireland's extraordinary access to the US, regardless of who was Taoiseach. "It's an opportunity for the leader of a European country to put forth a case for both the country and the EU," he says. "It's more important now than ever that we keep the dialogue open."
CNBC is an American cable, internet and satellite business news television channel that is owned by NBCUniversal News Group.
Clips from the interview can be viewed here.
