President Donald Trump reaffirmed his support for a united Ireland on Sunday, describing the potential merger of the Republic and Northern Ireland as a “natural” outcome during his two-day visit to County Clare.
Speaking at the Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg while watching tournament leader Shane Lowry tee off, the US president labeled his previous comments as merely a “fairly routine comment.” He told reporters, “I’ve always loved the people of Ireland… It seems that one of the naturals of all time is to put them together. That’s only my opinion, and by the way many people agree.”
The remarks follow a meeting on Saturday with Taoiseach Micheál Martin in Dublin, where Trump expressed his desire for Irish unity. Martin later stated that the president’s views were not surprising, noting that Trump believes unification is the “logical way for the island to be configured and organised.”
When asked about Scottish independence, Trump declined to comment, stating, “I won’t talk about Scotland yet I will save that.”
Security operations remain extensive as Trump prepares to depart from Shannon Airport on Sunday evening. Meanwhile, demonstrations have taken place across the country, with over 10,000 people marching in Dublin on Saturday. Additional protesters arrived in Doonbeg on Sunday, where around 100 demonstrators gathered. Local Gardaí moved a small crowd away from the presidential hotel, and three women were arrested for trespassing on the golf course, appearing in court in Ennis.
Rev Steven Foster, a Methodist minister from Galway, attended the Doonbeg protest, describing Trump as the “exact opposite” of his faith-based values. “As a church leader, it’s important for me to be visible,” Foster said, adding that the nature of the welcome Trump received sent a “terrible message.”
Conversely, local business owners highlighted the economic benefits brought by the golf resort. Martin Kelly, a Doonbeg entrepreneur, called the course a “massive employer” and praised the treatment of staff. “We’re not into politics here, we’re into business,” Kelly said. “Donald Trump isn’t perfect but look he’s not doing a bad job either.”
Seoirse Comerford, who owns a local pub, echoed these sentiments, noting that the golf course employs over 300 people and provides vital economic lifeline to the rural area. “Most rural villages in west Clare are all dying a death,” Comerford explained, comparing the resort’s importance to his village to that of Intel to Dublin. He estimated that the event brought more than 1,000 visitors to his pub over the weekend.
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