US President Donald Trump sparked a diplomatic row yesterday after backing a united Ireland during a press conference alongside Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
The US president claimed Irish reunification was inevitable, saying it “may as well happen now” and that he would “love” to see it.
He later doubled down on his comments during a speech at the US Ambassador’s residence, saying a united Ireland would “be pretty cool”.
The remarks prompted a swift pushback from British political leaders, including British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, and unionist parties in Northern Ireland.
Watch: ‘I think it would be cool’ – Trump doubles down on united Ireland comments
The UK government said Mr Burnham’s view remains that there is no majority public support for a referendum and that until that changes, there will not be one.
While DUP leader Gavin Robinson said Northern Ireland’s constitutional future “will be decided by the people of Northern Ireland, not by commentary in London, Dublin or Washington”.
However, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the conversation on Irish unity “has shifted”, and the onus is on the Taoiseach to begin planning for it.
Watch the videos above to see what President Trump said about a united Ireland.