The Rest Is Politics podcast co-hosts Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart have both compliment Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin for how he conducted himself in his meeting with US president Donald Trump.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In notable moments he defended UK prime minister Keir Starmer, Europe and Ukraine.<\/p>\n
He has received a lot of praise, including from US media outlets<\/a>.<\/p>\n Campbell is a former journalist who worked as a strategist and adviser for former UK prime minister Tony Blair.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s Day.”<\/p>\n Well done @MichealMartinTD<\/a> – speaking up for European allies. Speaking up for @Keir_Starmer<\/a> Speaking up for Ukraine. And doing it in a way that kept the Orange Man Boy for several minutes. Happy St Patrick\u2019s Day<\/p>\n \u2014 ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n 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<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Rory Stewart (@RoryStewartUK) March 18, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n