403
Sorry!!
Error! We're sorry, but the page you were looking for doesn't exist.
Trump Backs Irish Unification as Constitutional Debate Grows
(MENAFN) US President Donald Trump has voiced strong support for bringing Ireland and Northern Ireland together, describing unification as a natural outcome and arguing that the historic division of the island could eventually be overcome.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Ireland on Sunday, Trump said he has long had positive feelings toward the Irish people and questioned why the island should remain divided.
"I've always loved the people of Ireland and it just seems to me that you have Northern Ireland and you have Ireland and it would seem to me that one of the naturals of all time is put them together," Trump said, adding that "many people agree" with his view.
Trump was also asked about UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s position that a referendum on Northern Ireland’s constitutional future should not take place unless there is clear majority support for such a vote within the territory.
Dismissing the suggestion that political opposition could prevent such developments, Trump said: "Everybody says that, and then things happen."
His remarks come after he previously expressed support for Irish unity during a joint news conference in Dublin with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, where he said he would "love" to see a united Ireland and suggested that unification "may as well happen now."
The comments have drawn a response from the UK government, which maintains that the conditions for holding a constitutional referendum set out under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement have not been satisfied. Under the agreement, a vote can be called when there is a clear indication that a majority in Northern Ireland favors ending its constitutional status within the UK.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to Ireland on Sunday, Trump said he has long had positive feelings toward the Irish people and questioned why the island should remain divided.
"I've always loved the people of Ireland and it just seems to me that you have Northern Ireland and you have Ireland and it would seem to me that one of the naturals of all time is put them together," Trump said, adding that "many people agree" with his view.
Trump was also asked about UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s position that a referendum on Northern Ireland’s constitutional future should not take place unless there is clear majority support for such a vote within the territory.
Dismissing the suggestion that political opposition could prevent such developments, Trump said: "Everybody says that, and then things happen."
His remarks come after he previously expressed support for Irish unity during a joint news conference in Dublin with Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin, where he said he would "love" to see a united Ireland and suggested that unification "may as well happen now."
The comments have drawn a response from the UK government, which maintains that the conditions for holding a constitutional referendum set out under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement have not been satisfied. Under the agreement, a vote can be called when there is a clear indication that a majority in Northern Ireland favors ending its constitutional status within the UK.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any
responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos,
licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues
related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Comments
No comment