Angry scenes over seating arrangements in the Dáil with rows delaying the expected confirmation of Martin’s role by the president

Tusk, a historian by training, also urged Europe to increase its defence spending:

Some people think it’s extravagant or wrong to warn that we should spend up to 5% of GDP on our security. … But this is a time when Europe cannot afford to save on security.

We spend 5% not on our own security, but also on the security of the whole of Europe. … If Europe is to survive, it needs to be armed.

Do not ask what America can do for Europe and its security; ask what ourselves we can do for our security.