SHANNON, Ireland (Reuters) – Donald Trump, arriving in Ireland for the first time as U.S. president on Wednesday, sought to reassure the country that Britains exit from the European Union would work out fine for its near neighbour.
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at Shannon Airport in Shannon, Ireland, June 5, 2019. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar planned to use a meeting with Trump, who has been a vocal supporter of Brexit, to underline Irelands concerns over the departure, his deputy said.
How to keep EU-member Irelands 500-km (350-mile) border with Northern Ireland open after Brexit and ensure it does not jeopardise two decades of peace in the British province is proving the most intractable issue in Britains tortuous efforts to leave the EU.
Before meeting Varadkar, Trump said he expected the premier would ask him about Brexit and it would all work out “very well”.
“The way it (the border) works now is good, you want to try and keep it that way and I know thats a big point of contention with respect to Brexit. Im sure its going to work out well,” Trump told reporters.
Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney told national broadcaster RTE earlier: “I think the focus of the discussion between the taoiseach (prime minister) and President Trump today will be on the impact of Brexit on Ireland. This U.S. administration and previous ones have consistently been supportive of the Irish peace process.”
“Its a big deal when a U.S. president comes to Ireland. The relationship between Ireland and the U.S. remains strong, even though we disagree on many policy areas with the current administration,” Coveney added, including Trumps “blunt” views in favour of Brexit among those areas.
Trump said in his remarks that the two countries had a great relationship, “as good as its been”.
Varadkar had opposed extending an invitation to Trump as a cabinet minister before changing his mind when he took over as prime minister in 2017.
Trumps meeting with the prime minister is part of a trip that will also include a stop-off at one of the presidents golf resorts.
As in Britain where Trump began his European trip this week, there were expected to be some protests by anti-warRead More
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