Sean Whelan

Washington Correspondent

President Donald Trump singled out a 50% EU levy on US whiskey as being 'nasty' (stock image)

Tariff threat 'very concerning' for Irish spirits sector

The threat of US tariffs is "very concerning" for Ireland's spirits sector, the director of Irish Whiskey Association has said.

Ireland • 14 Mar

Trade is the focus of Micheál Martin's US visit today

Martin: US measures on pharma firms in Ireland uncertain

US President Donald Trump's measures on US pharmaceutical companies operating in Ireland remains "somewhat uncertain", Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said.

US • 13 Mar

Taoiseach Micheál Martin smiles during the final part of the day's proceedings

Oval Office plan worked but trade war danger not over

Both the US and Irish sides played their parts in yesterday's proceedings, but US President Donald Trump did seem to have a genuine soft spot for the Irish - time will tell what that means for Ireland's future.

Anaylsis and Comment • 13 Mar

Micheál Martin was speaking at the South by Southwest in Texas

'Hold the nerve' Martin says over threatened US tariffs

The Taoiseach has begun his visit to the United States with a trip to Austin, a good place to feel the economic links ahead of his White House visit, writes Sean Whelan.

Analysis and Comment • 11 Mar

Joe Kennedy III and Susan Davis, have been appointed as the new bi-partisan co-chairs

New co-chairs of Irish-US GFA group appointed

Former Presidential Special Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy III and Susan Davis, President of Susan Davis International, have been appointed as the new bi-partisan co-chairs of the US political pressure group the Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement.

US • 10 Mar

US President Donald Trump signs the proclamation in the Oval Office

Trump declares March as Irish-American Heritage Month

US President Donald Trump has signed a proclamation declaring March 2025 "Irish-American Heritage Month".

Ireland • 07 Mar

Donald Trump's speech to Congress was the longest in modern US history

What did we learn from Trump's speech to Congress?

Donald Trump heralded a 'golden age of America' - but with Democrats demoralised and Republicans jubilant, Washington's political divisions were rarely more visible.

Analysis and Comment • 06 Mar

Anora reaps rewards as Oscars politics kept in check

They said there were no obvious winners this year, no cinematic monsters like 'Oppenheimer' to dominate proceedings. And they were right.

Analysis and Comment • 03 Mar

Oscars statues are displayed during preparations for the 97th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California

Hollywood back in business as stars gather for the Oscars

RTÉ's Sean Whelan looks ahead to the 97th edition of the Academy Awards, as a sense of restraint falls over Hollywood during this year's festivities.

US • 02 Mar

Honoured on the night were producers Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, and actors John C. Reilly and Éanna Hardwicke

The Oscar Wildes - the start of Hollywood's big weekend

It's Hollywood's big weekend, with the Oscars taking place on Sunday. On Thursday night, as is now customary, movie stars and producers took to the Green Carpet at the Oscar Wilde Awards, an event honouring the Irish in Hollywood in aid of the US Ireland Alliance and its scholarship fund.

US • 28 Feb