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US President Donald Trump stated during a visit to Ireland that he would like to see the country reunified. Speaking to the press at Farmleigh House alongside Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the President remarked that he believed reunification would be a positive development, stating, “How can it be bad?”
President Trump suggested that reunification would eventually occur and that it “may as well happen now.” He further noted that while he believed the United Kingdom would have a perspective on the matter, he maintained that he would like to see it happen.
The comments drew varied responses from political figures. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald described the remarks as timely and called for the Taoiseach to begin planning for a united Ireland. Colum Eastwood, MP for Derry and leader of the SDLP, shared a clip of the comments on social media.
Unionist leaders in Northern Ireland criticized the President’s remarks. DUP leader Gavin Robinson stated that Northern Ireland’s constitutional future is a matter for its own people, rather than for commentary from London, Dublin, or Washington. TUV leader Jim Allister characterized the President’s comments as interference in affairs that do not concern him, asserting that Northern Ireland’s future does not depend on foreign dignitaries.
In the United States, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) welcomed the President’s remarks. In a joint statement, AOH National President Sean Pender and Political Education Chair Neil F. Cosgrove called for renewed American engagement in the region, including the appointment of a U.S. Special Envoy for Northern Ireland. They also urged the British government to establish a transparent process for assessing the conditions for a border poll as outlined in the Good Friday Agreement.
During his visit, President Trump also held a courtesy meeting with Uachtarán na hÉireann, Catherine Connolly, at Áras an Uachtaráin. Following the meeting, President Connolly issued a statement emphasizing the historical ties between Ireland and the United States. She noted that she conveyed the Irish people’s commitment to international relations and the peaceful resolution of conflict, while also acknowledging the United States’ historical contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process.
Article and image source: derryjournal.com
