September 29, Dunbeg (Ireland) (RASAS/ANI) – U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his support for the unification of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, stating that it is natural for both territories to exist as a single political entity. His remarks have reignited the sensitive debate regarding the constitutional future of Northern Ireland. While participating in the Irish Open tournament at his golf course in Dunbeg on Sunday, he reiterated this viewpoint. Earlier on Saturday, he had described the possibility of Irish unification as “excellent.”
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin has called for a calm and measured approach to the issue. President Trump clarified that his views represent his personal opinion, claiming they have broad support. Since the division of Ireland, six counties of Northern Ireland have remained part of the United Kingdom. The division between nationalists who support unification and unionists who wish to remain in the UK sparked decades of violence from the late 1960s onward. The conflict known as “The Troubles” resulted in the deaths of approximately 3,600 people.
The 1998 Good Friday Agreement ended the violence and established that Northern Ireland’s constitutional future should depend on the will of its people. According to the agreement, if a clear majority emerges in favor of unification, a referendum can be held. However, the UK government has stated that conditions necessary for such a vote have not yet been met. Gavin Robinson, leader of the Democratic Unionist Party in Northern Ireland, criticized President Trump’s comments, affirming that the people of the region should determine their constitutional future. The British government has reiterated its support for the Good Friday Agreement and emphasized that a referendum will only be considered once the proper conditions are in place.
