Trump doubles down on united Ireland comments on day two of visit

President Donald Trump has reiterated his support for a united Ireland during his second day in Ireland. At Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, County Clare, Trump told reporters he would love to see the island's two parts "put together". He made the comments after watching Irish golfer Shane Lowry win the Irish Open on Sunday.

Trump described his remarks as "a fairly routine comment" and said he has always loved the Irish people. The president did not comment on Scottish independence, but did sidestep a question about a poll on Irish unity, saying "everybody says that and then things happen." The Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who met Trump on Saturday, said Trump's comments were not a surprise and that unity is a logical configuration for the island.

Trump also announced he would lift tariffs on Irish whiskey at the end of his two-day visit. However, more than 10,000 people protested against Trump's visit in Dublin on Saturday, and about 100 protesters were present at the golf resort on Sunday. Local businessman Martin Kelly praised the golf course's economic benefits, while a protest organizer Rev Steven Foster criticized Trump as the exact opposite of everything he stands for as a follower of Jesus.