World facing ‘moment of deep crisis’, warns Micheal Martin
The Taoiseach made the comments as he addressed the Business Post Economic Outlook Forum 2026 in Dublin.
The globe is experiencing a moment of “deep crisis” as it becomes more “uncertain”, the Taoiseach has said.
Micheál Martin told business leaders that traditions in trade, energy supply and technology are “in question” internationally.
He made the comments as he addressed the Business Post Economic Outlook Forum 2026 in Dublin.
In his 10-minute video address, Mr Martin spoke about the Government’s budget, Ireland’s economy and corporation tax.
He told business leaders that every company and household across the country is impacted by trade tensions and conflicts.
“It is clear from daily news reports and in daily life that this is a moment of deep crisis internationally,” Mr Martin said.
“The fact is, the world is becoming much more uncertain and unpredictable.
“Many traditional assumptions that we have held about international trade, energy supply, technology, climate and geopolitics are in question.
“Recent developments have reinforced this reality, and these range from rising trade tensions and conflicts, which have exposed vulnerabilities in energy markets, to rapid technological change and threats to international values and institutions, which are central to Ireland’s interests.
“These are not just temporary disruptions, and every household and every business is, to some extent, experiencing the impact of these. But we are not without choices, nor are we standing still. We have the power to act, the capacity to invest in our future, and the leverage to drive change.”
He also said that Ireland remains “heavily reliant” on corporation tax money, including revenues that are volatile and windfall in nature.
“We cannot, and do not, assume that current levels of these tax receipts will continue indefinitely,” he added.
“We have to be conscious of risks and have a balanced response, and that means using our resources wisely, prioritising productive investment that strengthens the economy, while also building up reserves to protect public finances when circumstances change.”