Trump renews support for Irish unification as governments stress referendum rules
The US president’s comments drew support from Sinn Féin figures and condemnation from Conservatives and Northern Irish unionists, while the UK and Irish governments urged a measured response.
US President Donald Trump has reiterated his personal support for unifying Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, brushing aside opposition to a referendum from Andy Burnham.
Speaking during his visit to Ireland, Trump said “many people agree” with his position and described unification as a natural outcome. He had earlier said he would “love” to see a united Ireland and that it “may as well happen now”.
Downing Street said there was insufficient support for a referendum under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Burnham had said two weeks earlier that a referendum was “off the table”.
The remarks were welcomed by Irish nationalists but condemned by the Conservative Party and Northern Irish unionists. Ian Paisley Jr said people were entitled to a personal opinion, while arguing that Northern Ireland and its people were British and wished to remain so.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said there had been an “overreaction” and urged a calm response. The Irish government has preferred to focus on cross-border initiatives rather than directly discussing unification.
Sinn Féin’s former leader Gerry Adams said Trump’s comments reflected what he described as broad North American and Irish diaspora support for Irish unity. Leaders of Plaid Cymru, the Scottish National Party and Sinn Féin are due to meet in Cardiff to discuss cooperation on constitutional change. Trump declined to give a view on Scottish independence.
