Trump makes unexpected remarks on a united Ireland: What to know

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he would love to see Ireland consolidated with British-run Northern Ireland, drawing attention to his comments on the persistent issue of Irish unity.

Trump told reporters after a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Martin in Dublin, stating, “Well, I don’t want to cause any problems but I will tell you, I love to see it unified.”

Trump made the statement after he held negotiations on Saturday with his Irish counterpart Catherine Connolly. The US President met with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin and Irish President Catherine Connolly to discuss deeply integrated economic and cultural ties. The visit coincides with a trip to Trump’s golf resort in Doonbeg where he is attending a major golf tournament.

The high-stakes visit triggered community demonstrations in Dublin alongside security cordons that caused minor disruptions in the capital.

Martin invited Trump to visit Ireland when they had a crucial meeting at the White House on St. Patrick’s Day this year, and Ireland’s political leaders will likely see the visit as a chance to maintain warm relations despite differences over trade and foreign policy and key issues the White House said Trump wants to discuss further.

According to Martin, he is looking forward to shared priorities of mutual interest, implying a deeper, more emotional connection than standard ties between Ireland and the United States.