'This is only going to lead to a recession': Cork people have their say on Donald Trump's tariffs

Concerns had been raised around the future of the pharma sector in Ireland ahead of the US tariffs announcement, but, for now, the 20% tax imposed on goods does not include pharmaceuticals.

Many in Carrigaline were relieved the pharmaceutical sector escaped this round of tariffs, but a sense of tension remained in the air, with fears pharma will be hit next time, potentially impacting jobs and investment in the local industry.

Margaret O’Neill, who hails from Douglas but has lived in Carrigaline for 50 years, was sceptical about Trump’s approach.

“I felt a lot of sadness when I heard about the tariffs,” she told the Irish Examiner. 

“We’ll have to wait and see what he [Trump] is going to do next. It’s sickening but I think he’ll do it bit by bit. I don’t think he’s going to let anyone get away with anything. 

If the pharmaceutical industry is affected, it will put so many jobs around here at risk. There will be others affected too. 

"If he didn’t put tariffs on the farmers this time he’ll probably do it later on. EU countries will have to come together because we can’t do this on our own.” 

Also expressing fears was Nigel Keating, who is worried the measures will result in a recession for the people of Ireland.

“There are worries about companies relocating to the States. I don’t think this will happen but it is a concern. I don’t know how Ireland will react. 

"What can you really do besides fight tariffs with tariffs? This is only going to lead to a recession down the line. The main impact, I think, will be a loss of business and a loss of opportunities for companies.” 

Carrigaline local John Cullen, who originally hails from Clare, said Irish politicians need to take stock.

“They knew this was coming,” he said of the tariffs. 

“Not one of them can give you an answer with regards to how to deal with this. They haven’t a clue what they’re doing. 

"Trump is standing up for the Americans. That’s what he’s doing. But Trump is bluffing, without a shadow of a doubt. The Irish Government haven’t come up with a plan. All they are doing is fighting amongst themselves. They are doing nothing for the country.” 

Meanwhile, Peter O’Regan said a measured approach was needed to mitigate the impact.

“Tariffs are a negative thing by their very nature, given the volume of Irish trade that is with the US." 

"The same amount of tariffs are being put on us that are being put on Germany. It’s going to have an impact. 

"If you look at the multinational sector that’s in Ireland and the pharma sector exporting to the US, it can only be negative. 

"I think Ireland will have to react in a measured fashion. There will probably have to be some level of targeted retaliation but it can’t be across the board. 

They’re going to have to look at certain industries that have a broad base of support in Trump areas and hit those or his billionaire flock of friends. 

Anne Veale was among those to criticise Trump.

“The man is doing his own thing and not thinking about anybody else," she said. 

"Who, in the name of heavens, could be a Trump supporter now?” 

Andy Fitzgerald voiced his hopes for the future of Ireland.

“It’s worrying, of course, but we have been through plenty before. When I came out of school we were in the middle of a nasty recession. We struggled that time but we have a way of coming out the other side. This is not positive but it’s going to affect the States as much as anywhere else.”