Donald Trump teases Irish visit: 'I think I'm going to come over'
James Cox
US president Donald Trump has teased he will visit Ireland in September.
He appeared on screen with a pre-recorded message at the Fourth of July Independence Day celebrations hosted by the US ambassador in the Phoenix Park last night.
In it, he reminded the audience that his golf course in Clare is hosting the Irish Open later this year, and said: "I think I’m going to come over... and I think I’m going to see it, and we’re going to watch Rory McIlroy and all the great players.”
The Amgen Irish Open will be held at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg from September 9th to 13th.
Social Protection Minister Dara Calleary said if Donald Trump comes, he will be treated well.
Calleary said: "Look, he will be welcomed, he's the president of the United States of America. Marking 250 years... but he could be saying something different by lunchtime.
"But the reality is, if he comes he will be welcomed. Preparations wilk be made and I know they'll be very happy in Doonbeg."
Last night's event, which also marked the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence, also included an address from Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
Martin promised that Ireland “will protect Europe’s vital relationship with the United States” during its EU presidency.
Ceann Comhairle Verona Murphy, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Independent TD Barry Heneghan were among those in attendance.
Singer and social media influencer Garron Noone was among the performers on the night.
It is not yet known whether Trump's visit would be an official state visit, but regardless there would need to be a massive security operation in place.
The 47th US president has been the target of a number of assassination attempts.
He has a standing invitation to visit Ireland, which was reiterated by the Taoiseach when he met Trump at the White House on St Patrick's Day.
The visit came at a fraught time in international relations as Trump had taken aim at EU allies, UK prime minister Keir Starmer, and launched the war on Iran.
However, Martin handled the meeting well so a meeting in Ireland is unlikely to be an issue for the Fianna Fáil leader.
