Trump’s Backing for a United Ireland Has Reignited a Divisive Political Issue. Here’s What to Know
DOONBEG, Ireland (AP) — U.S. President Donald Trump doubled down Sunday on his support for a united Ireland, saying it makes sense to merge the Republic of Ireland with the United Kingdom's Northern Ireland.
U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his support for a united Ireland on Sunday, stating that it makes sense to merge Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland. Trump made the comments during the Irish Open at his golf course in Doonbeg, western Ireland, adding that the unification "just seems to me" like a natural occurrence.
The idea of a united Ireland has been a divisive political issue for nearly a century, as it stems from the partition of Ireland in 1921, resulting in the six counties of Northern Ireland remaining part of the United Kingdom.
The conflict that ensued, known as "The Troubles," lasted for three decades and resulted in over 3,600 deaths due to bombings, shootings, and other attacks. The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 largely ended the violence, but left Northern Ireland's ultimate status unresolved. A referendum or vote on unification can only be held if public opinion polls suggest it would likely pass, a threshold the UK government says has not been reached.
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin urged politicians to remain calm and not overreact to Trump's comments, while Sinn Fein, a political party that seeks unification, welcomed the remarks. The Irish government, however, has not prepared for the possibility of unification. Trump's support for a united Ireland is not new, as previous U.S. presidents with Irish roots, such as Joe Biden, have avoided commenting directly on the subject.
Written by urgent.news from The Japan News by The Yomiuri Shimbun's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Trump doubles down on united Ireland comments on day two of visit myjoyonline.com
- Trump doubles down on united Ireland comments on day two of visit adomonline.com
- Trump’s backing for a united Ireland has reignited a divisive political issue. Here’s what to know winnipegfreepress.com
- Trump doubles down on united Ireland comments on day two of visit bbc.co.uk
- Macron, Carney to visit French Atlantic islands after Trump map redraws North America malaymail.com
- Trump accuses Ukraine of pushing up energy prices while on two-day visit to Ireland euronews.com
- 'Put them together': Trump reiterates call for unified Ireland after UK dismissal abc.net.au
