Richard Boyd Barrett: Trump's war is driving up costs

Richard Boyd Barrett responds to a Sinn Féin motion on the cost of living, arguing that international conflict driven by Donald Trump is already pushing up energy, petrol and heating costs for people here. He criticises the Taoiseach's refusal to speak out about the violence in Iran, Lebanon and Palestine and links that silence to the domestic economic fallout.

Parliamentary intervention and criticism

Richard Boyd Barrett opens by thanking Sinn Féin for tabling the motion on the cost of living crisis and focuses on the immediate need for government action on energy prices. He frames the debate around both practical measures to protect households and the wider geopolitical causes that are affecting bills at home.

Taoiseach's silence and international violence

He confronts the Taoiseach's refusal to condemn the bombing and deaths in Iran and Lebanon and the ongoing violence affecting Palestinians, arguing that moral leadership is missing. Boyd Barrett directly links that silence to the political choices that enable foreign interventions and military action.

Economic consequences at home

The speech draws a direct line between foreign policy and domestic economic pain, saying international warfare increases the cost of energy, petrol and heating oil that every household now faces. He urges ministers to recognise that the cost of living is being driven in part by decisions made on the global stage.

Moral judgement and sharp language

Boyd Barrett does not shy from strong language in the address, condemning both the international actors he blames and the government for not speaking out. The contribution combines policy warnings about rising living costs with a moral critique of contemporary foreign policy and leadership.