US President Donald Trump has said the prospect of a united Ireland would be a “great thing”, making the remarks on the first day of his two-day visit to Ireland.
Trump arrived at Shannon Airport before travelling to his golf resort in Doonbeg, County Clare, where the Irish Open golf tournament is being held.
Asked by reporters about the possibility of Irish reunification, Trump said he did not want to “cause any problems” but expressed support for the idea, adding that he would “love to see it unified”.
The comments prompted responses in both Britain and Northern Ireland. Downing Street reacted to Trump’s remarks, while the Democratic Unionist Party stressed that Northern Ireland’s constitutional future would not be determined by political commentary from London, Dublin or Washington.
Earlier in the day, Trump held separate meetings with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin and President Catherine Connolly.
His visit also drew significant protests. More than 10,000 people marched through Dublin, bringing traffic to a standstill in parts of the city centre.
Trump’s comments on Irish reunification are particularly significant because the constitutional status of Northern Ireland remains a sensitive political issue. His intervention could therefore attract attention beyond Ireland, particularly as the United States approaches its midterm elections.
