SerpApi.Org
Legendary Irish actor Fionnula Flanagan revealed why she left the United States and returned to Ireland after Donald Trump returned to office in early 2025.
The actor, 84, has starred in films and television series over several decades, but left her family to return to her native country after claiming that she "saw the political writing on the wall."
A vocal critic of Trump, Flanagan believes life in the U.S. has deteriorated since his return to office, as she blamed the role of capitalism in her criticism of America's situation, while also noting that Ireland too has been impacted by the economic system.
• Donald Trump 'thrown under bus' by JD Vance amid speculation of 'rift'
• Donald Trump mocked for attempting to be 'macho man' as he makes entrance to 80s song
"Yes, the hooligan-in-chief," Flanagan said when asked if she still believed her previous comments where she claimed that the country was run by "hooligans" on Irish radio channel Newstalk.
For now, Flanagan hopes to return after the next election, as she joked that she never asked her family for permission to move across the Atlantic.
"So we just have to wait, and then he'll be out of office," she said.
She added, "My stepsons are there, and my grandchildren are there, and my great-grandchildren are there. So I'd like to be able to see them more often than I do."
"I could see the political writing on the wall, and I knew it was going to get very bad. And it has.
"I didn't ask them, actually [her family, Ed.]. I didn't ask them at all."
Flanagan has enjoyed her time back in Ireland, noting that she sees a more prosperous country than the one she left in 1968 to chase acting opportunities in the U.S.
"It's wonderful to be back. Ireland has changed so much, and mostly for the good," she said.
"The good changes are the difference in the relaxation of the hold that the Catholic Church had on everything.
"Education, jobs, and everything. That is a huge bonus and plus for Ireland."
For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here.
However, the latest Irish homelessness figures indicate approximately 17,447 are without a roof over their heads — over 5,000 of those are children. Flanagan labeled the crisis a disgrace as she attributed the cause to greed fueled by capitalism.
"Thousands of homeless people here, which is really a disgrace when you think about it. Greed has played an enormous role. Greed has just choked the goodness that is Ireland in many ways.
"I think it's a problem of capitalism and the way in which capitalism has been not only allowed to flourish here, but is revered. It has been for years revered in the U.S., and that's unfortunate. It allows for no other avenue, no other way, of looking at the world."
For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here.
