Donald Trump: A United Ireland Would Be ‘Fantastic’ says Trump during Irish Visit
US President Donald Trump has stated that he believes a united Ireland would be a positive development, during his recent visit to the country.
"A united Ireland would be fantastic," Trump said at a meeting with the Taoiseach (Irish Prime Minister) Micheál Martin. "Now the UK would have something to say about it obviously, but I think it would be a great thing… how can it be bad?"
Trump’s comments come after a two-day visit to Ireland, which included meetings in Dublin and attendance at the Amgen Irish Open golf tournament in County Clare.
Political Reactions:
- Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald acknowledged Trump’s remarks, emphasizing that the focus should be on the Taoiseach taking proactive steps towards reunification.
- Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson countered that the future of Northern Ireland will be determined by its people, not external commentary.
- Ian Paisley, a former DUP MP and close Trump family friend, took a more lenient stance, stating everyone is entitled to their opinion, even if it’s not universally accepted.
- Claire Hanna, leader of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), welcomed Trump’s openness about Irish unity, highlighting its shifting status in public discourse.
- Jon Burrows, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), emphasized the principle of consent as enshrined in the Belfast Agreement, reiterating that Northern Ireland’s future lies with its residents.
- Jim Allister, leader of the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV), criticized Trump for interfering in what he considers to be internal affairs.
- Helen McEntee, Ireland’s Foreign Minister, affirmed that any significant change regarding Northern Ireland’s constitution would require consent from the Irish people.
