The US leader has been heavily criticised for his comments on the inevitability of Irish reunification.
The US leader made the inflammatory comments on a visit to Ireland this week (Image: Getty)
Donald Trump has sparked major backlash after backing a united Ireland and suggesting it “is going to happen eventually”. The US leader claimed Irish reunification is inevitable during a visit to Dublin on Saturday, adding it “may as well happen now”.
His comments triggered a furious response from GB News Northern Ireland reporter Dougie Beattie, who said the president “doesn’t know his history”. Mr Beattie added: “I think he’s going to go for the Irish-American vote in the midterms, to be honest about it.”
Addressing reporters alongside Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Mr Trump said: “I’d love to see it unified. I think it would be a great feather in everybody’s cap if that happened. Now, the UK will have something to say about it, obviously. But I think it would be a great thing. I mean, how could it be bad?”
Donald Trump addressed reporters alongside the Irish Taoiseach on Saturday (Image: Getty)
The move is likely to put further strain on UK-US relations, after Mr Trump also cast doubt on Britain’s ability to defend the Falkland Islands during his trip.
The president was met with disapproval from the Government and Conservative Party, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham insisting a border poll would only be considered when there was “a clear consensus in the country”.
Conservative deputy leader Alex Burghart said Mr Trump was “very wrong” and that Northern Ireland is “an integral part” of the UK.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson also hit out at the US leader, asserting that Northern Ireland’s future will be decided by its people, not “commentary in London, Dublin or Washington”.
“As unionists, we are not interested in the destruction of our country by joining with the Irish Republic,” he added.
But Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the president’s comments were “timely” and Mr Martin “must now begin planning for a united Ireland”.
Under the terms of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the UK’s Northern Ireland secretary can decide to hold a border poll, and has a duty to call one if it appears likely a majority would vote for Irish unification.
The people of the Republic of Ireland must also vote in favour before the constitutional change can be enacted.