A Leitrim Councillor has backed the moves by the Tánaiste which urged the EU's trade commissioner to exempt sectors key to the Irish economy, such as the production of whiskey from any tariffs the EU could impose on a range of US products should the current trade negotiations fail.

The comments from Councillor Enda McGloin come as Simon Harris sets out the Government’s position with the deadline for a potential escalation of the trade war between President Trump and the European Union looming large.

The Fine Gael Councillor says it’s vital that spirits are exempt from any trade wars in order for local distillers such as Drumshanbo Gun Power Gin to prosper and continue to provide vital local employment.