Trump jets to Ireland for golf tournament, PM talks

US President Donald Trump journeyed to Ireland for two days of diplomacy and golf, sparking concerns about the intersection of his presidency and personal business interests. The visit involved significant security arrangements, with over 4,000 police and other personnel, including snipers, deployed. Trump briefly spoke to reporters on the tarmac, mentioning ongoing meetings with European leaders and Ireland's taoiseach (prime minister) Micheal Martin and President Catherine Connolly.

Anti-Trump protesters are expected to rally in Dublin during his stay. Trump is set to visit his luxury resort in Doonbeg, where top golfers compete in the Irish Open tournament. His golfing interests may even extend to presenting the trophy on Sunday. The trip has sparked criticism, with experts arguing that Trump's promotion of his family's golf business could harm the Republican party's prospects in the midterms.

The security operation for Trump's visit is reportedly costing Ireland 20 million euros, coinciding with the country's ongoing EU presidency and other policing operations.