US President Donald Trump stated at a joint press conference with Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin that he would like to see a united Ireland. He said that this would eventually happen and «could happen right now». The President’s comments drew objections from the British Government and unionist politicians in Northern Ireland.
Briefly about the main points
- Trump backed the idea of Irish reunification during his visit to Dublin.
- The US President described the possible unification of Northern Ireland with the Republic as «fantastic».
- London does not see the necessary support for holding a referendum.
- The DUP leader stated that the constitutional future is determined by the people of Northern Ireland.
- Trump is on his way to Dunbeg, where he is due to present the Irish Open trophy.
The statement was made at the start of a two-day visit
In response to a journalist’s question, Trump said that the unification of Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland would be «fantastic». He acknowledged that the United Kingdom would have its own position, but asked, «how could that be a bad thing?».
Later on Saturday, the president acknowledged that the issue would be controversial. He said that there was no good answer to such questions, regardless of how they were phrased, but he considered his response to be «pleasant» and described the merger as «a really cool thing».
Trump’s remarks differed from the approach taken by previous US administrations, which had sought to remain neutral regarding the island’s constitutional future. At the same time, the spontaneous nature of the comment suggests that there has been a change in official policy Washington did not take place.
London and the Unionists have reacted to Trump’s comments
Spokesperson Downing Street reported that the Prime Minister still does not believe there is the necessary support to hold a referendum in accordance with the Belfast Agreement.
Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Gavin Robinson He stated that decisions on Northern Ireland’s constitutional future are made by its residents, not by comments from London, Dublin or Washington. He said he was confident that the choice would continue to be in favour of the United Kingdom and the security it offers.
Former leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party Colum Eastwood shared a video on social media featuring Trump’s remarks and wrote: «I’ve always liked him.» The leader of the Conservative Party Kemi Beidenok described the President’s statement as ill-advised and likely to create unnecessary tension.
The meetings in Dublin covered the war, Iran and the pharmaceutical industry
The visit began with a formal meeting at Áras an Uachtaráin — the official residence and workplace of the President of Ireland Catherine Connolly. Following a private conversation, she stated that she had conveyed the Irish people’s conviction that the normalisation of war and genocide cannot be accepted, and also emphasised the importance of UN. Trump described Connolly as «wonderful» and said that they had discussed, amongst other things, energy and water.
During a private meeting with Martin in Phoenix Park, the US President told journalists that Iran would seek peace following the US mid-term elections. He also reiterated the claim that his war had prevented Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Trump spoke positively about US-Irish relations, but once again complained about the presence of US pharmaceutical companies in Ireland. According to him, the US should bring some of these companies back home.
After Dublin, the President flew to a holiday resort in Dunbeg
Trump’s unofficial trip is centred on golf. On Saturday afternoon, he flew to his resort in Dunbeg, County Clare, where the Irish Open is being held.
Trump said he had not seen any protests, although demonstrations were expected in Dublin city centre and near Dunbeg. As the president was leaving the capital, people were holding placards and chanting «Donald Trump, can you hear? We don’t want you here» near the Garden of Remembrance.
Trump is expected to spend the night in Dunbeg, present the Irish Open trophy, and return to Washington on Sunday.
