American President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he would like to see a reunified Ireland, believing that it « could just as well happen now. » These remarks immediately sparked strong reactions in the United Kingdom and among Northern Ireland unionists.
Donald Trump quickly stirred controversy upon his arrival in Ireland for a two-day visit. From the start of this trip, the American president stated that he would like to « see » a united Ireland, adding that reunification would « eventually happen » and that it « could just as well happen now. »
These statements represent an unexpected stance on one of the most sensitive issues in British and Irish politics. By openly supporting the prospect of a constitutional change on the island, Trump inserted himself into a debate that London and Northern Ireland unionist parties consider an internal matter.
The British government’s reaction was swift: a firm denial was issued in response to the presidential remarks. Northern Ireland unionist leaders also rejected this intervention, which they did not hesitate to label as interference.
The question of Irish reunification remains constitutionally governed by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which stipulates that a referendum can only be held if the British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland considers a majority in favor of unification likely.
