Govt 'acutely aware' of pain over fuel prices - Taoiseach

Speaking at the Fianna Fáil National Councillors' Conference, Taoiseach Micheál Martin directly addressed the significant pressures facing Irish citizens due to escalating fuel prices. He acknowledged the "real pain and fear" these costs inflict across society, a sentiment echoed by criticism from within his own party.

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The Government is "acutely aware" of the "real pain and fear" caused by rising fuel prices.

Martin framed these challenges within a broader context of global instability, listing the pandemic, war in Europe, and Middle East conflict as unprecedented events impacting world history. He specifically drew parallels to the 1970s oil shock, noting that current disruptions to global energy supplies are even greater.

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This latest chapter has caused a disruption to global energy supplies greater even than the 1970s oil shock.

Despite the difficulties, the Taoiseach highlighted the government's efforts to provide support while ensuring the economy remains strong and stable. He pointed to continued foreign investment and business expansion as evidence of Ireland's resilience. Martin stressed the importance of acknowledging these successes, contrasting the government's proactive approach with what he characterized as the opposition's focus on criticism without offering solutions.

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All of it has created a situation where inflationary pressures are causing very real pain and very real fear in people all across our society.

From an Irish perspective, this is a critical moment where the government must demonstrate its capacity to navigate complex global crises while protecting its citizens from economic hardship. The internal party criticism underscores the political sensitivity of the issue, making Martin's public address a crucial effort to reassure both the public and his party base.

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No matter how aggressively our opponents try to claim otherwise, I and the Fianna Fáil party are acutely aware of this.