Trump in Dublin says he would like to see a united Ireland

President Donald Trump said he would like to see a united Ireland during a visit to Dublin, expressing confidence that unification will happen at some point. Trump made the remarks after meeting Ireland's prime minister, Micheál Martin.

"I don't want to cause trouble, but I'll tell you that I would like to see it united. I have friends on both sides, wonderful people. I think that would be a great success for everyone if it happens. It will happen eventually," Trump said in Dublin.

On the possibility of an immediate move toward unification, Trump added: "We're talking about it, and here you have the right man who can get that going. Of course, the United Kingdom will have something to say about it. But I think it would be a great thing. How could that be bad?"

Ahead of the visit, Micheál Martin said he and the U.S. president would discuss a range of issues of common interest and would reiterate the strong economic and cultural ties between Ireland and the United States, as well as the bonds between their peoples.

During his stay in Ireland, Trump is scheduled to meet other Irish officials and the U.S. ambassador to Ireland, and he will attend the "Irish Open" at his golf course in Doonbeg.

The Republic of Ireland is an independent state and a member of the European Union, while Northern Ireland remains part of the United Kingdom.

Photo: press material from the event